TRINITY, N.C. — Charles Weldon Dobbins, a United States Navy veteran and a dedicated figure in the historic Piedmont Triad textile industry, passed away on March 8, 2026, at Brookstone Terrace Assisted Living in Thomasville. He was 98 years old.
A lifelong resident of the Trinity and High Point area, Dobbins’s life story is inextricably linked to the 20th-century industrial boom of North Carolina. His decades of quiet, steadfast labor in the hosiery mills of High Point, combined with his military service and deep community roots, reflect a life defined by duty, family, and resilience.
Early Life & Education
Charles Weldon Dobbins was born on May 17, 1927, in High Point, North Carolina, to the late Charles Hugh Dobbins and Mittie McDowell Dobbins. Raised alongside his sister, Marie, and his brothers, Larry and Herman, he grew up during the Great Depression, a period that instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for community.
He attended Trinity High School, where he was known for his warm and engaging personality. In the 1944 edition of the school’s yearbook, The Trinhian, his peers fondly described him as “smiling, easy going, and mischievous,” noting his popularity among his classmates. Shortly after completing his education, as the world was engulfed in the final years of World War II, Dobbins answered the call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Navy. His military service laid a foundation of discipline and camaraderie that would guide his civilian career.
Career Zenith & Contributions
Returning to North Carolina after his naval service, Dobbins entered the booming local textile industry, a sector that was transforming the economic landscape of the South. He spent several years working at the Adams-Millis Corporation in High Point. Founded in 1904, Adams-Millis was an industrial titan; by the mid-20th century, it had grown into one of the largest hosiery manufacturers in the world, producing tens of millions of pairs of stockings annually and serving as a major supplier for national brands. Dobbins’s work at the mill contributed to the massive output that earned High Point its reputation as a manufacturing powerhouse.
Later in his career, Dobbins transitioned to Slane Hosiery Mills, another historic High Point institution founded in 1915. Slane Hosiery was renowned for its commitment to “American Made” quality and technological innovation, famously partnering in the 1970s with Blue Ribbon Sports—the company that would eventually become Nike. Dobbins remained with Slane Hosiery until his retirement, playing a vital role in the daily operations that sustained the mill’s reputation for excellence. His career trajectory mirrors the golden era of North Carolina’s hosiery manufacturing, highlighting the essential, everyday expertise of the workers who built the industry.
Leadership & Affiliations
Beyond the factory floor, Dobbins was a man of deep faith and community presence. He was a devoted, long-standing member of the Archdale Methodist Church, where he found spiritual fellowship and supported various congregational initiatives over the decades.
His commitment to his community was matched only by his devotion to his family. He navigated the profound losses of two spouses with grace. He married his first wife, Frances Leah Croker, on June 14, 1947. The couple shared 23 years of marriage until her passing on April 22, 1971. On October 12, 1973, he married Zula Mae Cook, with whom he shared 45 years until she preceded him in death on August 11, 2019.
Legacy & Impact
Charles Weldon Dobbins leaves behind a legacy of hard work, loyalty, and a sprawling family tree that will carry his memory forward. He is survived by his two sons, Ronald D. Dobbins (and wife Kathy) of Archdale, and Dwight W. Dobbins (and wife Marsha) of Trinity. He is also survived by his brothers, Larry G. Dobbins (and wife JoCarol) of Thomasville, and Herman Dobbins of Archdale, as well as his stepdaughter, Mary Lee Hartley.
His lineage continues through his three grandchildren—Fran Hill (Matt), Eric Dobbins (Rebekah), and Emily Dobbins—and his five great-grandchildren: Hunter Smith, Corben Hill, Weldon Dobbins, Blayne Dobbins, and a future great-granddaughter expected in June 2026. He also leaves behind two step-grandsons and two step-great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, his two wives, and his sister, Marie D. Croker.
Funeral services to honor Mr. Dobbins’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the Cumby Family Funeral Service in Archdale, with Rev. Mark Hollar officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service, from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m., at the funeral home. Interment will follow at the Fairview Church Cemetery in Trinity.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be directed to the American Cancer Society (7027 Albert Pick Rd. Suite 104, Greensboro, NC 27409), a testament to his enduring spirit of care for others.