Obituary of James Gregory Hall Dobbins

COLUMBIA – Greg passed away August 1, 2022. He was born in Ashland, KY, on June 30, 1943.

In 1961, Greg graduated from Ben Lippen School in Asheville, NC. He attended the University of Kentucky, graduating Phi Beta Kappa with a BA in Chemistry in 1965 and MA and PhD degrees in Mathematics in 1967 and 1969. He taught college mathematics at Marshall University and Wheaton College and then was Math Department Chairman at Mt. Vernon Nazarene College. His research was published in various professional journals including the Duke Mathematical Journal. He worked as a senior principal engineer at NCR Corporation from 1981 to 1998. During this time, he was awarded a U.S. Patent. In addition to working at NCR, he was an adjunct professor at the University of South Carolina where he taught math and computer science. The final years of his career were spent in Medicare Fraud Detection working primarily for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) contractor in Easton, MD. He served as Chief Statistician for the western states for CMS. He was a longtime member of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church.

Greg had a good sense of humor, relaxed by watching movies, and was intrigued by science fiction and space. He was passionate about his Kentucky roots. He was a devoted Kentucky Wildcats basketball fan and once drove through a blizzard to attend a game. He always spent the first Saturday in May watching the Kentucky Derby and took great joy in predicting the winning horse. His favorite song was “My Old Kentucky Home” and listening to it brought tears to his eyes every time.

Greg was a true mathematician - he loved to make predictions based on data collection and observations. He often accurately guessed people’s weight and age as well as the total of a restaurant or shopping trip bill.

He is survived by his former wife, Susan Culver Dobbins, three children: Julie Warren (Jamie) of Birmingham, AL, LTC Stephen Dobbins (Jessica) of Destin, FL, and Betsy Bender (Bryan) of Chambersburg, PA, seven grandchildren: Jackson Warren, Jonathan Warren, Joel Warren, Hart Bender, Lottie Bender, Piper Dobbins and Jack Bender, his brother, Edward Dobbins of Ashland, KY, and niece, Jane Dobbins Goodman of Raleigh, NC. He was predeceased by his father and mother, James and Opal Dobbins of Ashland, KY, and his sister-in-law, Judy Hollins Dobbins.

The family wishes to thank Ken Knudsen of Care Patrol of Columbia for his kindness, professionalism, and persistent help. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am August 27 at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Columbia with visitation to follow. He will be interred in Ashland, KY. 

South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book by clicking on the "Tribute Wall' tab above.