Dr. William Allen “Bill” Hobbs, a keen scientist, avid hiker, dedicated physician, exceptional husband, beloved father, and silly grandfather, passed away on June 6 at the age of 74. In November 2024, Bill sustained a traumatic brain injury from a falling tree while hiking one of his favorite trails in his retirement community of Big Canoe, GA. After a noble recovery effort, he ultimately succumbed to his injuries with his immediate family by his side.
Originally from Summit, NJ and later Gretna, LA, Bill moved to Florence, AL, with his wife and best friend, Lynne, after completing his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and accepting a position at the Florence Clinic in 1982. He made Florence his home, where he raised his daughters, helped found Florence Medical Associates in 2002, and admirably retired from his practice in 2020. Dr. Hobbs dedicated his life and career to the ethical practice of medicine. A meticulous and caring physician, he structured his day to allow ample time with his patients and continuously strove to optimize their outcomes. He supported and strengthened the community hospital (ECM), making meaningful improvements to patient care as a long-standing member of the Board of Directors, Quality Assurance consultant, Chief of Medicine, Chief of Staff, and Co-Management participant. Not only an advocate for high quality care, Dr. Hobbs also genuinely respected and valued the many people with whom he worked. Ever the practical man, Bill spent his free time ensuring the prime condition of his home and property, reading medical journals, and obsessing over the ideal logistics for his next family trip. When called to duty, he always showed up for his family – from entertaining his grandchildren with a tickle or a game, to lending his insight to his children on everything from hanging perfectly level curtain rods to making the most desirable career decisions. While he altruistically sought consensus and collaboration in all endeavors, Bill was not afraid to humbly stand for what he believed was right, fair, or for the greater good. Curious and cerebral, he displayed his knowledge and passion for life through reflective questions and witty jokes (often at his own expense). Bill was most at home in the outdoors – whether photographing native plants, sailing Wilson Lake, hiking a local trail, or backpacking through our national parks. While his presence will be greatly missed, we know he lives on through the countless ways he impacted the world.
Bill is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lynne Towe Hobbs; his children, Ashley Melville (Martin) of Marietta, GA and Erica Addison (Josh) of Ball Ground, GA; his grandchildren, Cas, Mera, and Florence; and his brothers, Caswell “Cas” Hobbs (Anne) of Alexandria, VA and Robert “Bob” Hobbs (Jane) of Easthampton, MA. A memorial service will be held in Florence, AL at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve in Tuscumbia, AL or the Leave No Trace organization. Sosebee Funeral Home, Canton, GA is honored to serve
the family of Dr. William Allen “Bill” Hobbs. Sosebeefuneralhome.com 770-479-2131.
