Obituaries | Week of Nov. 10, 2025
VESTER DOBSON
Vester (V.R.) Dobson, 87, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. Graveside services were held Friday afternoon, Nov. 7, at Garden Hills Cemetery.
V.R. was born on Jan. 29, 1938, to Vester and Hilda Dobson of Lanett, Alabama. He is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Loretta Dobson, and his children, David Dobson (Janet) and Donna McLeod. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Matthew McLeod and Leah McLeod, his sister Joan Dobson Young of Opelika, and his brother Ronnie Dobson of Lanett.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Vester and Hilda Dobson; his sister Duane Dobson Mayne; and his brother Terrell Dobson.
V.R. was a native of Chambers County but spent most of his life in Opelika. He graduated from Auburn University in 1960 and began his career teaching history and coaching high school football for five years at Troup County High School in LaGrange, Georgia. After five years of teaching and coaching, he began a long and successful career in Human Resources with West Point Pepperell (West Point Stevens), where he oversaw human resource operations for textile mills throughout the Southeast. He retired from West Point Stevens in 2003.
After retirement, V.R. and Loretta loved spending their time traveling to listen to gospel and bluegrass bands, watching Auburn football, traveling to the beach and the mountains and taking their grandkids along whenever they could. He dearly loved his church family at Father’s House Christian Fellowship and cherished all the meaningful relationships he formed there. V.R. was known for his sound advice, intellect, quick wit and his ability to make people laugh. These qualities he carried with him until the very end of his life.
The family deeply appreciates and acknowledges the wonderful staff of Gentiva Hospice for their excellent care of V.R. during his final days. They also wish to thank Dr. Justin Campbell for his many years of dedication and compassionate care as V.R.’s primary physician.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in V.R.’s memory to:
Father’s House Christian Fellowship, 214 Morris Ave., Opelika, AL. 36801
OLA MAE WILLIAMS
Ms. Ola Mae Williams, 80, of LaFayette (formerly of Lanett) died Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika. Funeral services will be held Nov. 15, at Vines Funeral Home Chapel. The remains will lie in state at the chapel from 11 a.m. (CST) until the funeral hour. The interment will be in Antioch Baptist Church cemetery at 2467 County Road 28, LaFayette. Public viewing will be on Friday, Nov. 14, from 2 to 6p.m. at Vines Funeral Home. To share your online condolences, please visit our website at www.vinesfuneralhome.com
Vines Funeral Home Inc., of LaFayette is handling the arrangements.
