James "Coot" Anderson Dobbins

James "Coot" Anderson Dobbins 81 of Harmony NC departed this life on Monday July 27th 2026 after a lengthy illness.

James was born on April 24, 1945, in Iredell County, North Carolina to the late Dock Holmes and Ruth Patterson Holmes, he was a lifelong resident of Harmony NC who attended Iredell County schools. From an early age, he learned the value of hard work, a quality that remained a defining characteristic throughout his life. He worked as a truck driver for Piedmont Drilling and Blasting of Olin until his retirement.

An avid hunter, fisherman, and farmer James found great joy in the outdoors. He deeply cared for his animals, especially his beloved beagles, which brought him years of companionship and happiness.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters Pamela Gale Nichols and his beloved sister and best friend, Peggy Valentine; his brothers, Billy Dobbins, Sherman Dobbins, and J.D. Dobbins; and his stepdaughter, Sherry Wilson.

He leaves to cherish his memory, Rhonda Nichols of the home; his children, Tiffany Nichols (Carl) of Prince George, Virginia, Bryne Keith Gaither (Tonya) of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and Vincent Nichols of Statesville, North Carolina. He is also survived by his grandsons, Bryan Gaither of Charlotte, North Carolina, and KeSean Jackson of Raleigh, North Carolina; great-granddaughter, Tahani Gaither of Charlotte, North Carolina; his stepchildren, Charles Nichols, Loretta Alexander (Curtis), and Michelle Jackson, all of Statesville, North Carolina; Siblings John Patterson of Atlanta Georgia, Martha Scott (John)of Mocksville NC, Brenda Dalton of Dayton, OH and Roy Holmes of Harmony NC

as well as a host of step-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many dear friends to include racing buddies Kippy Dobbins, Kenny Turner, Darryl Smith, and Will Stevenson.

His funeral service will be held 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at First Baptist Church in Harmony by the Rev. Jeffery Miller and the Rev. Kenneth Turner. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 to 2:00 PM on Saturday at First Baptist Church in Harmony.

Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville is serving the Dobbins family.

He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love for the outdoors, his dedication to family, and the lasting impact he made on all who knew him.

"A life well lived, take your rest"