From the sidelines
Marty Gordon
I can remember just listening to the voice of the public address announcer at Radford University’s Dedmon Center while a student there. The gentleman just had a way about delivering introductions and other things during basketball games. I would later here that same voice during Radford High School football games.
In so many ways, I learned from Don Dobbins (RHS Class of 1951) and took in stride his delivery, which led to the way that I do things so many times afterwards for public address. He served in the capacity at RHS for over 40 years.
Dobbins passed away this week at the age of 91.
His wife, Janell, was just as important in both schools, leading volleyball team after volleyball team to conference wins. Later in life, a scholarship at RHS was established in their names being given to a student, who volunteered for at least 30 hours during junior and/or senior year at a non-profit organization.
Don was inducted into the RHS Athletic Hall of Fame, and a plaque commemorates the Don Dobbins Press Box at Norman Lineburg Field in Bobcat Stadium.
Radford University Robert Lineburg knew Dobbins both at RU and the high school. He said
Dobbins, the cherished voice of the Bobcats and the Highlanders, was a truly wonderful gentleman.
“He and Janell are deeply beloved in our community, having made a lasting and positive impact on so many. Don’s presence at Highlander contests, always radiating positivity and his deep love for the Highlanders, will be profoundly missed. This is a very sad day, and I extend my deepest condolences to Janell and the entire Dobbins family,” he said.
Services for Dobbins will be held at Mullins Funeral Home in Radford on Monday, Oct. 14. Visitation is at 10 a.m. Celebration of Life is at 11.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Necessities Pantry at Presbyterian Church of Radford or Radford-Fairlawn Daily Bread.
To be honest, neither places nor sports were the same after he retired from the position. But, in so many ways, Don encouraged me to follow in his footsteps. I don’t think I could’ve learned to handle the microphone without his example. Thanks for the opportunity to listen.