Taking Algebra 2 as a sophomore can be a big challenge. Especially when it happens right after lunch, which coincidentally, is right after athletics period. Throw in some rowdy, fun classmates and a steadfast teacher who was constantly searching for the source of the mischief, and you have David Dobb’s life back in 1982-1983. Dobb’s fondly remembers sitting in class, watching his favorite high school teacher, Mr. Doug Barber, attempting to calm the chaos and get to the business of learning. Dobbs remembered there was always a “bunch of cutting up” in class, and Mr. Barber was constantly trying to figure out “who done it” and teach students some Algebra 2. David said he doesn’t remember a whole lot about his childhood teachers/classes, but he’ll always remember Mr. Barber’s class.
Dobbs is a 1985 graduate and feels blessed to have been born when he was born, so that he could have all the great experiences he had at QHS. Not only was he enjoying his Algebra 2 class his sophomore year, he was greatly enjoying playing on the 1982 football team that was the first team to go to the playoffs in many years. His favorite memory from school happened that year when the Bulldogs beat Big Sandy 37-0. After the game, Dobbs said that an impromptu pep rally broke out down on the square, complete with fire trucks and their flashing lights. Dobbs went on to enjoy two more winning seasons with the Bulldogs in ’84 and ’85, but nothing else quite compared to that first playoff win.
Dobbs is still very proud of his Bulldog heritage. When he spoke about being a Bulldog, he talked about the most important things that he learned—both on the field and off—during his tenure at QHS. Dobbs said the thing that he remembers most was the importance placed on “doing my job for the greater cause.” He continued, “teachers and coaches taught me to focus on what I was doing, and to encourage others to do their own jobs.” Dobbs also spoke about learning the importance of “owning up” to mistakes when he didn’t do his job, and to just be honest about it. Dobbs said that he especially loved the attitude that came with learning to be a Bulldog. He said that “the importance of attitude and believing that we can do things that have never been done before” was critical to him and that he enjoyed “magic that happened” when everyone followed through, doing their jobs and believing in themselves and each other.
He’s carried that Bulldog spirit throughout his life and dedicates much of his time giving back to the community—being part of groups that serve the community to make it a better place. He currently serves the community on the City Council. He was first elected to the Council in 2013 and served as mayor from May ’17 through May ’19. He currently serves as Mayor Pro-Tem and Alderman. He also serves on the Economic Development Board of Directors; whose purpose is to help Quitman grow. Dobbs is also very active at the Methodist Church, serving as a member of the Staff Parish Relations Committee, and he currently serves as a lay delegate at the Texas Methodist Annual Conference. Dobbs has also served as the treasurer for the Quitman Former Students Association for the past 11 years.
While not his high school sweetheart, he first met his wife, Michelle while at Quitman ISD. Both graduated in 1985. However, they did not start dating until both were almost finished at their respective colleges. Once they started dating, though, it only took Dobbs six weeks to ask Michelle to marry him. Michelle has worked in various teaching capacities at the elementary school for several years, and all three of their children have graduated from QHS. Mandi graduated in 2011, Austin in 2014, and Abby in 2020.