A Renaissance man is defined as a man of many talents. My father Denny Pat Dobbins was such a man. He excelled in intellectual, physical, and philanthropic pursuits. I grew up idolizing his many accomplishments. He qualified for the 1980 and 1984 Olympics for 25m Rapid Fire Pistol events. He taught sniper and battle techniques at the School of the Americas while an LTC in the Army National Guard. He traveled across the world including; Australia, South America, and the British Isles in shooting tournaments.

He fished with the same intensity of character receiving 6 world records and being a member of 3 different fishing shows. Yet he didn’t fish for glory. He fished for the adventure of seeing what was under the sea. He was a big advocate for “Catch and Release” and a member of several Marine advocacy groups.

Professionally, he held 3 Ph.D.’s. As an attorney, he supported the underdog. The stories I can tell of him rescuing damsels in distress sounds like an old Western but are true. He was born a Texan and those values remained.

His proudest achievement wasn’t for himself. He nurtured the Portsmouth Angler’s Sunshine Club dedicated to teaching underprivileged children the joy of fishing. Over 4000 youths participated on head boat trips and fishing pier events.

My dad taught me a lot of lessons. Life is for doing, seeing and experiencing. He loved working together toward a bigger purpose and lived life on his own terms. He will be missed by his community, friends, and family including; his wife Carolyn E. Yates Dobbins, and daughter Sonya Ann Allen. In lieu of flowers please donate to Make a Wish Foundation for fishing.

LTC Denny Pat Dobbins 12/21/1947 to 06/19/2023, died of heart failure at home at 1057 West Road, Chesapeake, VA. Full Honors Military service at Albert G. Horton Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, VA on July 11, at 3 pm followed by a 4:30 repass party for his many friends at Planter’s Club, Suffolk, VA.

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