Joseph Elmer Hobby

Joseph Elmer Hobby, age 84, retired firefighter, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, died on August 16, 2022 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Known to his family as Elmer, he was born on December 20, 1937 at his family’s farm in Turner County, Georgia, near the small town of Ashburn. His parents were Morris Andrew Hobby and Lillie Irene McGlamery Hobby. As a child he attended the Hobby Community School and later graduated from Sycamore High School in Turner County.  As a young man, he was a member of the Harmony Baptist Church.

Elmer moved to Orlando, Florida in the mid-1950s and married the love of his life, Susan Annette Barfield Hobby, there.  Elmer and Susan lived in Orlando for over 30 years, raising two daughters and two sons.

He was a professional firefighter for over 30 years, first serving 25 years with the Orlando Fire Department, attaining the rank of Deputy Chief, and then became the Fire Chief for the City of Savannah, Georgia, serving nine years in that position.  After retirement from firefighting, Elmer applied his talents to volunteering in his community, including at Windsor Forest Baptist Church in Savannah, where he and Susan were longtime members. 

Elmer had a great affection for the outdoors, enjoyed golf and fishing, as well as boating.  His greatest love, however, was being with his family, gathering for food, fellowship, recreation, and song, and sharing a love that transcends time and place.

Elmer was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Susan, his parents, and eleven of his twelve siblings.  He is survived by his sister Sara Hobby Parker (Columbus, GA); his four children, Sandy Hobby Steadman (Rob) of Cary, NC; Lori Hobby Wood (Dennis) of Lexington, VA; Mitchell Hobby (Kim) of Durango, CO; and Brett Hobby (Victor) of Houston, TX; and his six grandchildren: Sara Kate Steadman, Mairin Elizabeth Wood, Joshua Joseph Steadman, Ciaran Collins Wood, Ava Grace Hobby, and Erik Daniel Hobby.

Visitation and a funeral service will be held at Harmony Baptist Church, 1661 Harmony Rd, Ashburn, GA 31714, on August 23, 2022 from 10 am to noon. A reception luncheon will follow in the fellowship hall.