Dr. Edward Clark Dobson, Jr.

Dr. Edward Clark Dobson, Jr. age 85, a resident of Lakeland, Florida passed away Friday, January 17, 2025, at his home with family. Mr. Dobson was born April 22, 1939, in Auburndale, Florida to Edward Clark and Miriam Ruthie Bell (Willis) Dobson, Sr. He was a Polk County resident since 1999 coming from Alexandria, Virginia. He graduated from Auburndale High School in 1957, after which he completed an undergraduate degree in music education at Florida State University. After his 1961 graduation, Clark took a position as a music teacher at Tavares High School in Tavares, Florida. In 1968, he returned to Florida State University completing an M.A. in music in (1969) and a Ph. D in Education Administration in (1972). He began his career in education administration as the Associate Executive Director of the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, a national professional organization, in Washington D.C., serving the organization from 1971 to 1974. He then accepted a position at the University of South Carolina at Columbia, where he served as an Assistant Professor of Education and a coordinator for the Doctor of Education Program from 1974-1976. He returned in 1976, to Washington D.C. to George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. From 1976-1999 he was an Associate Professor of Education Leadership and from 1988-1998 he was the Assistant Dean of Academic Student Affairs. He was recognized for his contributions with the Distinguished Service Award from the University’s Graduate School of Education in 1998. He retired in May 1999 and moved to Lakeland, Florida. He sang in the Wareham Chorale Society, worked with the Opera Theater of Northern Virginia and served as an informal advisor to the United States Marine Band. Clark was also a member of the Gilbert O’Sullivan Society, Alexandria Opera Committee, past member of the Baynard House Committee in Auburndale and was the first Auburndale High School Hall of Fame Inductee. He enjoyed traveling, gourmet cooking, reading, music and spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his parents; partner – Jack Horner and 2 brothers – Richard & Harold. Clark is survived by his sister – Margaret Dobson Combee of Lakeland; 3 brothers – Dwight Daniel (Carolyn) Dobson of Polk City, James S. (Brenda) Dobson of Lakeland and John Wesley (Rick) Dobson of San Francisco; 2 sister in laws – Irene Dobson of Lakeland and Neva Dobson of Auburndale; 8 nephews – Steve, Jamie, Chris, Todd, Tim, Daryl, Scott and Stephen; 6 nieces – Jackie, Melissa, Christina, Kristeen, Theresa and Amanda; several great nieces & nephews. In lieu of flowers donations in Mr. Dobson’s name may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice, 405 Arneson Avenue, Auburndale, Florida 33823.  A memorial service will be held 10am Tuesday, February 11th at Kersey Funeral Home.