Obituary of Rupert Hobbs

Rupert Hobbs

August 13, 1928 - March 18, 2009

Rupert Hobbs, 80, a lifelong resident of Raleigh, died peacefully with his family by his side Wednesday afternoon, March 18, 2009 at Mayview Convalescent Center after a recent stroke.

Rupert was born on August 13, 1928 to the late Milton Ernest Hobbs, Sr. and Effie Mary Poole Hobbs. He grew up in Raleigh as a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church and attended Hugh Morson High School. He then served in the United States Navy in Europe as a Hospital Corpsman.

After his military service, he returned home and worked with the U.S. Postal Service. He joined the Raleigh Board of Realtors in 1964 and formed his own company, Rupert Hobbs Realty in 1966. It became the largest real estate firm in Raleigh and surrounding areas. His company was a pioneer in employing and mentoring women in the real estate profession, many of which later formed their own business. He was a leader in marketing and innovative ideas, coining the phrase "Tell A Friend." If you saw a red car, red suit jacket or red phone, you knew you were working with Rupert Hobbs Realty.

Rupert was a member of the Lions Club, a charter member of the Capital City Club, Old Timers Club and was a generous donor to many organizations and schools. In 2005, he was inducted in to the Raleigh Regional Association of Realtors "Hall of Fame."

A Service of Remembrance will be held at 12 Noon Monday in Montlawn Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Wayne Hager, pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Montlawn Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends at 11:00 a.m. Monday prior to the service.

Rupert was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Peggy Williams Hobbs and his brother, L.T. Hobbs.

He is survived by his children, Debra Ann Height (Billy), David Williams Hobbs (Kathlyn), Elizabeth Lynn Folley (Jonathan), Keith Hobbs (Cindy); one sister, Leatrice Faye Matthews; two brothers, Milton Ernest Hobbs, Jr. and Lorenzo "Bitsy" Hobbs; his niece, Darleen M. Johns, all of Raleigh as well as five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the North Carolina Lions Foundation, 1012 Reca Road, Garner, NC 27529 (www.nclf.org). Condolences may be sent to the family in c/o Debra Hobbs Height, 2901 Southall Road, Raleigh, NC 27604.

Arrangements by Montlawn Funeral Home, 2911 S. Wilmington Street, Raleigh (www.montlawn.com)