Charles Wesley Dobbins III

Charles Wesley Dobbins, III, affectionately known as Wes- and to his grandchildren, Pappy, “Pappy the Pirate” and “Papster”, lived a life defined by resilience, adventure, and an unwavering smile. Wes passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 80, leaving behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, and love.

Born and raised in Ardmore, Oklahoma, Wes was a proud graduate of the University of Oklahoma and carried the Sooner spirit with him throughout his life. He never met a stranger. Whether sharing a story or lending a helping hand, he had a way of making everyone feel like an old friend. He believed life was meant to be lived fully, and he did exactly that.

Wes built a successful career in the oil and gas industry. Perhaps his greatest professional accomplishment, however, was rebuilding after losing nearly everything in the Penn Square Bank collapse. He refused to let adversity define him. Through determination, hard work, and optimism, he rebuilt his career and created another successful company from the ashes—a testament to his grit, perseverance, and refusal to give up.

Wes and his wife, Debra, enjoyed 28 wonderful years filled with family, fun and love. Wes and Debra retired in Anna Maria Island, Florida, where they made lifelong friends from all over the country. They could almost always be found near the water. Whether tanning in the Florida sunshine, which Wes loved so much, or fishing in the ocean or a simple Oklahoma farm pond, he was simply happiest around the water. Among Wes’s many adventures, he proudly caught record-breaking marlin and sailfish in Mexican waters—stories that became family legends.

Wes also found joy in life’s quieter moments. He loved tending to his flowers, especially his treasured orchids, and appreciated the beauty they brought to every season. Above all else, Wes cherished his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose greatest legacy was not measured by professional success or fishing records, but by the countless lives he touched with kindness, humor, and generosity. His family will forever remember his adventurous spirit, determination to never give up, and remarkable ability to find joy in every day.

Wes is survived by his wife, Debra Dobbins; his children, William Dobbins, Chad Dobbins and his wife, Cindy, Samuel Dobbins and his wife, Jaime; his stepchildren, Colly Warren and Seana Warren; his grandchildren, Kelsey Williams and her husband, Mason, Mackenzie Dobbins, Khi Dobbins, Kennedy Dobbins; his step-grandchildren, Jordan and Avery Warren, Morgan and Samantha Murray; his sisters, Donna Raymond and husband, Steve, and Becky McGalliard; along with many nieces and nephews and dear friends who will miss him deeply. He is preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Julia Dobbins, and his sister, Debra Christenberry.

Wes made friends wherever he went, and his family would like to recognize some of the important people in his life as honorary pallbearers; Sam Daube, Jesse Cross, Charlie Williams, Billy Stromberg, Sam Veazy, Keith Gray, Justin Bederka, and Trey McElroy.

Although Wes’s earthly voyage has come to an end, his family takes comfort knowing that somewhere beyond the horizon, Pappy the Pirate has found calm waters, a tight fishing line, blooming orchids, and the biggest catch of all.

Memorial services will be held at Craddock Memorial Chapel in Ardmore, Oklahoma, on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to one of the many charities Wes supported – St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Shriners Children’s Hospitals, Wounded Warrior Project, or Circle of Life Foundation.