Donald “Don” Joe Dobbins, Sr., age 86, and Karolyn Frances Sneed, age 85, passed away within minutes of each other on January 5th, 2026. Both had chronic health issues worsened by a severe case of the flu. They loved each other dearly and vowed never to be apart. They were able to live in their home until their last illness, cared for by family. Heaven's Gates opened only once to let Don and Karolyn in because they never left each other. Holding hands, they walked through together as they had throughout their lives.

Don was born on January 30, 1939, in Charlotte, North Carolina, and was raised by his mother, Margaret Bost Pruett. He had one sister, Joan Tyndell of Fort Mill, South Carolina; both preceded him in death. Don served in the United States Air Force from 1958 to 1962 as an airplane mechanic. He later worked at Celanese Fibers and American Barmag, where he was widely regarded as an engineer despite never earning a formal degree. During his career, Don developed several patents related to textile machinery. He was known as a true “jack of all trades”—a mechanic, carpenter, gardener, zookeeper, kid wrangler, and more. His children and grandchildren grew up enjoying swings, treehouses, go-karts, homemade electric cars, sleds, model planes, kites, and telescopes. Animals were always part of life as well, from dogs, cats, and fish to cows, goats, baby raccoons, baby opossums, snakes, turtles, horses, and ponies. Neighbors regularly came to Don for advice or help with repairs. In later years, as Karolyn’s illness caused mobility challenges, Don took on household chores and cooking so she could continue living at home.

Karolyn was born on October 25, 1940, in Orlando, Florida, to Fred Thomas Sneed and Nannie Allen Sneed, who both preceded her in death. She was an only child and always dreamed of having six children. Karolyn attended junior college in Florida and met Don on a bus ride from Florida to North Carolina while visiting family in Waxhaw. At a rest stop, Don asked the woman seated next to Karolyn to switch seats because he thought Karolyn was pretty—and the love story began.

Once married, the Air Force took them from Florida to Bangor, Maine, then back to Florida. In 1962, with their first two boys in tow, the family found a home in Waxhaw, NC, where they lived until their passing. Karolyn went back to school when their youngest son started school. She worked as a teacher's assistant/substitute teacher, which kept her on her children's schedule. Parkwood Middle School became her home base in the 80s through the early 2000s as she worked as the Media Center Assistant. She loved working with children and treated them like her own. She knew multiple generations of families and was often stopped by “her kids” in public. She loved her Parkwood Middle School Family.

Karolyn and Don built the “Brady Bunch” family she always wanted, but with four boys and two girls, all born within ten years. They are survived by their children: Donald Joe Dobbins Jr. (Jennifer), Waxhaw, NC; Thomas Dobbins (Angie), Waxhaw, NC; Nancy Dobbins Irvin (Mike), Monroe, NC; Michael Dobbins (Zondra), Wingate, NC; Sherryn Dobbins Wallace (Dean), Waxhaw, NC; David Dobbins, Waxhaw, NC; and Maria Shaver Dobbins. Their grandchildren are Amanda Irvin (Ben McDonald), Raleigh, NC; Justin Stegall (Melissa Ingram), Heath Springs, SC; Brittany Jackson (Jay), Monroe, NC; Mathew Dobbins, Ohio; Emily Irvin, Monroe, NC; Ashley Liles (Brandon), Waxhaw, NC; Derric Dobbins, Ohio; Daniel Stegall (Hannah), Monroe, NC; Kristany Bratton (Caleb), York, SC; Jason Dobbins (Caroline), Chicago, IL; Conner Dobbins, Pageland, SC, Katlin Dobbins, Waxhaw, NC; Kylie Dobbins, Waxhaw, NC; Abigail Dobbins, Shelby, NC; and Adam Dobbins, Waxhaw, NC. Their great-grandchildren include Holden Liles, Odin Jackson, Radin Jackson, Willow Bratton, Tyson Irvin, Memphis Stegall, Eleanor Ingram-Stegall, and Parker Bratton. Also preceded in passing is their grandson, Tyson Irvin. 

Per their wishes, Don and Karolyn did not wish to have any public service or visitation and to be cremated. A private family memorial event will be arranged and scheduled at a later date. Memories of Don and Karolyn will live on in our hearts.

Special thanks to those who helped with their care: Novant Primary Care of Waxhaw, Atrium Union ER, PCU, and ICU, as well as Hospice House of Monroe.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice in Karolyn's and Don's memory. 

Holland Funeral Service is serving the Dobbins Family.