Hobbs, Herbert Gray

The Reverend Herbert Gray Hobbs, of Roanoke, Va., took his final step of faith, passing from this life on the evening of Friday, October 28, 2022.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Evelyn Clemens Hobbs; two children who loved him well, Karen Hobbs Lee and her husband, Wes; and Steve Hobbs and Dana; his grandchildren, Andrea Brevard and her husband, Kenny, Jansen Lee, and Zac Lee and his wife, Rachael; and his great-grandsons, Charlie and Benji Brevard.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jesse Harrison Hobbs; his mother, Elizabeth Browder Hobbs Heath; his sister, Virginia Hobbs Pearson; and his brother, Jesse Hobbs.

Herb was born in Leesburg, Virginia, on April 17, 1934, and grew up in Hampton, Virginia. In every stage of his life, he was deeply involved, taking every opportunity to engage with people around him. Herb graduated from Hampton High School, Class of 1952 where he found his sweetheart, Evelyn, and gained lifelong friends. He graduated from Randolph Macon College in 1956 where he met Jim Wightman, his closest friend for life; and Duke Divinity School in 1959.

That same summer, Herb began his ministry serving as pastor for White Stone Methodist Church in White Stone, Virginia. From there, he and his family moved to Virginia Beach where he was appointed as Pastor of Princess Anne Plaza United Methodist Church from 1963 to 1968. To settle and allow his children to grow up in one place, he accepted the role of chaplain for Ferrum College where he served from 1968 to 1986. When their children were grown, he and Evelyn moved back to Virginia Beach where he was appointed as Pastor at Baylake United Methodist Church from 1986 to 1992. Herb completed his pastoral years at Blacksburg United Methodist Church from 1992 to 2000. Herb’s many appointments gifted him with amazing years of treasured friends and memories.

One unique highlight in his career came with the opportunity to serve as the chaplain “Rev” for the Virginia Tech Football Team for fourteen years. From the locker room prayers and chapel breakfasts, to high fives on the sidelines of Lane Stadium and traveling with the team, being a part of the Hokie Football Program was an incredible blessing and brought a smile to Herb’s face for all the rest of his years.

Special thank you to all the dear friends, old and new, near and far, who lifted Herb in prayer and came to visit him during his hospital stay. Your love and support was deeply appreciated. To those who laughed, cried, and cared for Herb throughout his life, thank you, he enjoyed and treasured each of you. Thank you to his new Park Oak Grove family who warmly welcomed him and Evelyn to the community and a special thank you to all his caregivers and therapists for the attention and kindness they shared with him. Our family has been blessed and the Lord has been honored by your kindness…until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His Hand.

A Celebration of the Life of Herbert Gray Hobbs will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at Blacksburg United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Calvary United Methodist Church for the Food Pantry or to local missions supported by the church. The church address is 2179 Stuarts Draft Highway, Stuarts Draft, VA 24477. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.Oakeys.com.

Arrangements by Oakey’s Funeral Service – South Chapel, Roanoke, VA, (540) 989-3131.