Dr. Edward H. Hobbs III

Dr. Edward H. Hobbs III, age 85, former dean of the Auburn University School of Arts and Sciences, died at his home in Auburn on Sunday, June 25, 2006 after a lengthy illness.

A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Auburn on Saturday, July 1, 2006 at 2:00 PM. Dr. Frank Covington will conduct the service. Interment took place at a family service in Selma at Live Oak Cemetery. The family will receive visitors following the memorial service.

“Soon after my arrival as president of Auburn University, we were able to add strength to the faculty by hiring Ed and Marley Hobbs,” stated Harry M. Philpot, former president of Auburn University. “They were at Ole Miss and agreed to come to Auburn, Ed as dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and Marley as assistant professor of Art. Theses appointments were among the most successful I ever made.”

“In his 20 years as dean, Ed Hobbs was known for his great skill in dealing with people. He also emphasized that college is not simply for professional development but also important in the enlightenment of he total person.”

“It is leaders like Dean Hobbs that have made the Auburn community a thriving and exciting place. His many contributions serve as a fitting memorial to an outstanding man,” Philpot said.

Hobbs was born in Selma in 1921 and attended schools there. He was the son of Mary Dannelly Hobbs and Edward Henry Hobbs II. He received an A.B. degree from the University of North Carolina, M.A. at the University of Alabama and Ph.D. from Harvard.

The Hobbs were married in 1943 in Boulder, Colorado where Marley (Marleah Kaufman) was a student at the University of Colorado and Ed, a Naval Intelligence Officer, was there to study Japanese.

In 1949, the Hobbs moved to Oxford where he became assistant for Public Administration Research and associate professor of political science at the University of Mississippi. They lived in Oxford for 18 years before moving to Auburn.

In 1967, Dr. Hobbs was named dean of the School of Arts and Sciences.

“When Dean Hobbs was appointed, Arts and Sciences contained at least 12 departments, not only in the humanities and social sciences, but also those in mathematics and the physical sciences,” stated former academic vice president, Dr. Taylor Littleton.

“All of these departments were strengthened by his judicious use of often scarce resources and by his standards for teaching and scholarship in faculty recruitment and retention. I know of no academic dean who carried with him more trust and respect that he did,” said Littleton.

He retired in 1988 as dean emeritus of Arts and Sciences and professor of political science. He also retired that year as a captain in the Naval Reserve.

In addition to his duties as dean, he was a former chairman of the East Alabama Medical Center Foundation Board of Directors and vice president of the Auburn Planning Commission.

He also was an Elder in the First Presbyterian Church, past president of the Auburn Rotary Club, and a member of the Beautification Council, United Way, Presbyterian Community Ministry, Alabama Men’s Hall of Fame, Alabama Humanities Foundation and a key organizer of the Food Bank of East Alabama.

Survivors include his wife, Marleah, and four children, Milton Dannelly Hobbs (Lenore Ethridge) and Vivan Blair Edge (John T.) of Oxford, Miss.; Miriam Kaufman Whatley, Opelika and Edward Henry Hobbs IV (Beth Dillon), Birmingham.

The Hobbs’ grandchildren are Milton D. Hobbs II, Miriam Lovelady (Niles) and Jess Edge, Oxford, Miss.; Laura Scott (Paxton) and Kirsten Whatley, Nashville, Tenn.; Steven Whatley, Atlanta; Edward H. Hobbs V, Athens, Ga. and Dillon Hobbs, Birmingham.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers contributions be made to the College of Liberal Arts at Auburn University, Auburn First Presbyterian Church or a charity of choice.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Auburn University Foundation 317 S. College Street, Auburn, AL 36849 attention Wendy Bonner Dr. Edward H. Hobbs III Memorial Fund.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Emma B. Hollifield

Emma B. Hollifield, age 76,

of Marion, AL died on June 27, 2006 at her home.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 30, 2006 at 2:00 PM at Kirk Funeral Homes Marion Chapel with Rev. Gervis Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the Sardis Church Cemetery with Kirk Funeral Homes Marion Chapel directing.

Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 PM at the funeral home before the service begins.

Jose Jullian Addison

Jose Jullian Addison, age 73,

of Marion, AL died on June 24, 2006 on Highway 14 West.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 30, 2006 at 11:00 AM at God’s House of Worship with Sam Houston officiating. Burial will follow in the Mount Zion Church Cemetery with Kirk Funeral Homes Marion Chapel directing.

Visitation will be Thursday night from 6:00-8:000 PM at Kirk Funeral Homes Marion Chapel.