Dr. Richard D Dobbins' Obituary
Dr. Richard D. Dobbins, 86
Christian Psychologist
Dr. Richard D. Dobbins, 86, an internationally known Christian psychologist, minister, radio and television personality, passed away Tuesday, June 3, 2014, at his home in Naples, FL, due to heart failure.
He founded Emerge Ministries in Akron, Ohio, one of the nation’s first Christian Mental Health Centers, which he led for over 30 years. In 2004, Dr. Dobbins founded Richard D. Dobbins Ministries Inc., devoting his time to writing and videotaping the invaluable practical truths God had shared with him.
An acclaimed author, Dr. Dobbins has created numerous film/video presentations that are being taught throughout the world to help believers apply the principals of their faith to the practical issues of their lives. He has written many books, booklets, articles, and audiotapes on Christian mental health care.
He has served on the graduate faculty of Ashland Theological Seminary, as well as University of Akron, Central Bible College, and Southeastern University. As a Staley Foundation lecturer, he has taught on the campuses of various universities and colleges across America.
Clinically, he has counseled over 10,000 people and today was still teaching people worldwide. He also has been featured on numerous television and radio interview programs, such as The 700 Club, PTL, TBN, Crossroads TV, the Canadian National Television Network and Channel 38 in Chicago.
Dr. Dobbins was preceded in death by his first wife Dolores Shumate Dobbins; mother Ruby Catherine Dean Dobbins; step-mother Leila Dobbins; father Worthy Walter Dobbins and sister Fern Schonauer. Dr. Dobbins is survived by his wife Priscilla Adams Dobbins (20 years); a son William Dobbins and his wife Daralene, of Rochester, NY; two daughters Ilene Myers and her husband Marcus of Stow, OH and Sharon Alberson and her husband Ramsey of North Hampton, OH; five grandchildren Evan Dobbins, Renee’ Rosales, Ryan Myers, Ross Myers and Heather Alberson; nine great grandchildren; sister Ruby Ausbury and her husband Phil of Tallmadge, OH; brother-in-law Sam Schonauer of Hartville, OH and numerous nieces, nephew, extended family and dear friends.
Local visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 10, from 9:30 to 11 am at Victory Church 1401 Griffin Road, Lakeland, FL. Funeral service will follow at 11am in the church chapel.
A memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday, June 18, at 7 PM, at EMERGE Ministries, 900 Mull Ave., Akron, OH.
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