It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John Timothy Hobby, loving husband and father. On July 25, 2022, he found peace after a heroic battle against cancer. To the surprise of nobody who knew him well, he fought hard until the very end.

Born in Dearborn, Michigan on January 22, 1965, to Bobbie Oliver Hobby and the late James Hobby. He was the youngest of 3.

Growing up, he loved playing almost any sport he could-football, basketball, baseball & tennis, to name a few. Though it was football that became his true passion. He was a quarterback through high school and was captain of the Ramapo HS football team his senior year. His talents then brought him to Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA where he played for four years, converting into a cornerback and earning a variety of accolades to include recognitions in the ECAC & the MAC, the MVP award in his last game vs. their rival Moravian, as well as breaking the season interceptions record at the time. It was during his time at Muhlenberg that he met his wife, Diana.

John began his career coaching football at Whitehall High School in PA then transitioned to coaching at the college level for Methodist University in NC. Upon returning to NJ and getting married to Diana, he began a career in sales. After working in a few different industries, including being part owner of an ostrich & emu farm in GA with his father, he found his niche in the wine and liquor industry. He spent 10 years with Empire Distributors, first in Albany, GA then was promoted to their headquarters in Atlanta, as the head of one of their liquor divisions. During his time with the company, he also took the exam to become a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW). After working on the distributor side for years, he then worked for a few different liquor and wine suppliers, most recently as the Southeast Regional Manager with Conecuh Brands.

Outside of his career, John spent many years as a volunteer coach. Beginning in NJ before having children, he coached youth basketball. In GA, he began with boys' soccer & once he had his own children, he assisted with church leagues, as well as travel soccer & softball. Over the last few decades, John's time was largely defined by his dedication to his family and their many activities. All of his children were involved in various sports and there was rarely a practice, much less a game or meet that he missed.  Outside of his children's activities, he volunteered at St. Teresa's in Albany, Ga & Transfiguration Catholic Church in Marietta in roles as small group leader, Eucharistic minister, coach and retreat chaperone, as well as several years teaching HS religious education classes. He enjoyed time with family and all the friends made along the journey. Michigan football was his college team and he loved all the Atlanta sports teams, especially the Braves that were on the Hobby TV almost every night in season.

John is survived by his wife of 31 years, Diana, and children: Abigail (Mike) Finan, Zachary, and Madeline.

He is also survived by his mother Bobbie Hobby and brother Jim (Shari) Hobby of Thomasville, GA and sister Jan (Dan) Dunn of Tampa, FL., as well as his numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

We invite you to join us to celebrate the wonderful life of John T. Hobby (Jan. 22, 1965- July 25, 2022). Come share personal stories and memories with us on Friday, August 5th from 5-8 pm at Lakeside Funeral Home, 121 Claremore Dr, Woodstock, GA 30188. The funeral mass will be held on August 6th at 11 am at Transfiguration Catholic Church, 1815 Blackwell Rd, Marietta, GA 30066. A reception will follow in the Social Hall.

In lieu of flowers, a GiveSendGo fund has been established to assist the family with future expenses.

Support The Hobby Family

Those wishing to send online condolences may do so at www.LakesideFuneralHomeGa.com .

Lakeside Funeral Home, 121 Claremore Drive, Woodstock, Ga 30188, Phone: 770-293-2757, is honored to assist The Hobby Family.