G. Ralph Hobbs

Died: Jan. 15, 2013

G. Ralph Hobbs, 71, of Athens died Tuesday morning, Jan. 15, at his home.

He was a member of Zion Hill Baptist Church, Athens.

Ralph was a graduate of Baileyton High School and East Tennessee State University, where he received his B.S. and M.A. degrees.

He was a coach, physical education teacher, principal, and supervisor of special programs with the Greene County School System, retiring after 30 years. He also retired as supervisor for the Head-Start Family Resources Agency in Athens.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

He is survived by his wife: Judy Beam Hobbs of Athens; two daughters and one son-in-law: Tara Elizabeth and Neil Hensley of Unicoi and Rachel Leigh Hobbs and Stephen Walls of Winston-Salem, N.C.; five grandchildren: Benjamin Neil, Katie Elizabeth, and Ellie Jane Hensley of Unicoi; and Kaylin Harper and Hayden Jacob Walls of Winston-Salem; one sister and brother-in-law: Judy and Bobby Greenlee of Greene County; two stepdaughters and one stepson-in-law, six stepgrandchildren, and two step great-grandchildren, all of Athens; four nephews: Jay Lynn Hobbs (whom he raised as his own) of Gray, Rocky Greenlee of Greene County, Tim Hobbs of Colorado, and Toby Hobbs of Arizona; one niece: Kristy Greenlee Brown of Greene County; one great-niece; two great-nephews; one sister-in-law: Ms. Farrell Hobbs of Colorado; and numerous cousins in Greene County and Sullivan County.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Gladstone W. and Eliza Gardner Hobbs; and a brother: Coy Lynn Hobbs.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Zion Cemetery Association, c/o Wanda Sensabaugh, 5900 Horton Highway, Greeneville, TN 37743, or Zion Hill Baptist Church, 269 CR 516, Etowah, TN 37331.