Bill R. Dobbins

Bill's service will be live streamed at 10:30am on Friday, December 31, 2021, via https://vimeo.com/660460856

MORTON — Bill R. Dobbins, 61, of Morton, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, December 23, 2021, at his home.
He was born on November 22, 1960, in Peoria, to Bobby and Betty (Brownfield) Dobbins. He married Darla A. Kniep on August 21, 1982, in Morton.
Surviving are his wife, Darla Dobbins of Morton; one son, Nate (Leah) Dobbins of Knoxville, Tenn.; three daughters, Danielle (Jeremy) Johnson of Morton, Whitney (Noah) Menold of Morton and Shelby (Lance) Willis of Morton; 13 grandchildren, Payton, Cael, Parker, Ramsey, Sawyer, Scarlett, Lincoln, Avery, Tessa, Wren, Lark, Rylee, and Jovie; parents, Bobby and Betty Dobbins of East Peoria; mother-in-law, Nancy Kniep of Morton; one brother, Barry Dobbins of Fairfax, Calif.; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by one grandson, Tripp Dobbins, nephew, Peter Ackerman, and father-in-law, Fred Kniep.
Bill never met a stranger and was a friend to many. He was well-known throughout central Illinois as “The Camera Guy” through his businesses, Peoria Camera Shop and Peoria Color. But to his family, he was simply “Pepaw.” He spent his free time going on adventures with his wife and grandkids, all of whom he adored.
Bill was a long-time member and usher at Grace Church.
While Bill’s family is heartbroken, they will cherish his memory and continue his legacy.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 31, 2021, at Grace Church in Morton, with Pastor Tim Bertsche officiating. Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, December 30, at the church. Burial will be at Hirstein Cemetery in Morton.
Memorials may be made to Grace Church or South Side Christian Academy.
Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements.
To leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.knappjohnson.com.