Billy "Bill" Gabriel Hobson
February 17, 1948 ~ July 2, 2026
Billy Gabriel "Bill" Hobson, age 78, of Grapeland, Texas passed away on Thursday, the 2nd day of July 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on the 17th day of February 1948, in Palestine, Texas, to parents Wesley Hobson and Carmen Chasten Hobson.
Bill was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, faithful friend, and respected coach and teacher. He spent many years as an educator where he made a lasting impact on the lives of his students. Many proudly said that Mr. Hobson was their favorite teacher, remembering his kindness, patience, and dedication.
In his free time, Bill enjoyed hunting, collecting unique firearms, and working on antique cars alongside his brother, Don. He also looked forward to playing a game of 42 at Chapman's Hardware, where he shared laughter and fellowship with friends. He was a member of Muse Missionary Baptist Church and Texas State Coon Hunters Association. Coon and hog hunting introduced Bill to many of his close and treasured friends. He could usually be found with his friends and his dogs out in the woods.
More than anything, Bill treasured his family. He loved spending time with those he loved, especially his grandchildren, who brought him endless joy. He deeply loved his wife and devoted his life to caring for his family. Bill was known for his honesty, integrity, and dependable nature. He was the kind of man who would do anything for his friends or the people he loved, and his quiet strength and generous heart earned the respect of everyone who knew him.
Bill's legacy of love, kindness, and service to others will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, former students, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents Wesley and Carmen Hobson; brothers, Davy Joe Hobson and Chas Hobson.
Bill is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 52 years, Robbie Hobson; his cherished children, Kimberly Hobson, Chase Hobson and wife Bridget, and Reagan Gieseking and husband Peter; brothers, Burl Hobson, Sr. and wife Rita, Don Hobson and wife Kathy; sisters-in-law, Martha Hobson and Willie Mae Hobson; and treasured nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Bridger Hobson, Rhylan Hobson, Starling Hobson, J.R. Hobson, Ruthie-Mae Hobson, Audrey Gieseking, and Elanor Gieseking, each of whom held a very special place in his heart and brought him immense joy.
Funeral services to celebrate Bill's life will begin at ten o'clock in the morning on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 with beloved nephew, Davy Hobson and long-time friend, Jamie Hogan officiating services at Muse Missionary Baptist Church (275 Anderson County Road 1219, Grapeland, TX 75844) with visitation preceding at nine o'clock. Interment to follow at Providence Cemetery.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Gunner Hobson, Gage Hobson, Casey Cooksey, Ricky Hassell, Will Yates, and Colton Hilliard. Honorary pallbearers include Scott Hilliard and Gary Lovell.
Please visit Bill's online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Muse Missionary Baptist Church building fund to help others.
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Mr. Hobson was my coach in High School and all of us thought the world of him! May you rest in peace and I will pray for comfort and peace for the family.
Mr. Hobson was a great man and teacher. I will never forget biology class, singing show songs, having to wash my mouth out with the nasty soap because of the tongue twister that caused me to say a little cuss word. He touched many young lives.
Very sad to see that Coach Hobson has passed away. So many great memories of him as a Coach and Teacher, where to start?! The funniest is how he took a little green lizard in class and wore it as an earring.
I came from a school where softball was my only sport and I was really good at it. He tried to help me with basketball which I was sooo bad at, I even hit my chin on the pole outside trying to do a layup and he gave me his shirt as he rushed me to get stitches, still have the scar.
I send my love, compassion and prayers to him and his family. We all lost a great one today!
Lots of good school memories of Bill, may you rest in peace.
My husband who has also gone on before us thought there was no other person than”Coach”. They talked about and drove 55 Chevys together! My husband had the privilege to call him friend also. He was there when my husband was treated for cancer and Bill was there when my husband passed on as a pall bearer. I wish he was here now to celebrate Bill’s life! We were there when Robbie and Bill married and though it was 52 years ago, it seems like yesterday! Bill was such a good coach and teacher to that group of guys from Maydelle school! There was never another like him and I have such fond memories of us together! Go rest high in that mountain Bill! You have earned that place in heaven! Ronald is there waiting for you! I hope to see Robbie and your children! I was there when one of them was born! Love and prayers to you and your family!
I had the pleasure of sitting with Robbie and Bill at my son PJ and Reagan’s wedding. So friendly as we shared stories of my recent travels to Alaska and their time living there. Bill raised a wonderful young lady Reagan who I now consider my daughter and is mother to my darling grand daughters. Rest in peace Bill. The angels will be watching over your love ones.
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Known him all my life. Prayers and love to the family.
Bill was a really good basketball player too. I enjoyed playing alongside him when we played in the Palestine YMCA league. Prayers for peace and comfort for all his family!
Robbie and family
Please know that you’re all in our thoughts and prayers. Bill and Jacky were hunting buddies for a good while. I’m sure they’re sharing many stories right now. My apologies for not being able to make his service. This is my most treasured month – my happiest and my darkest. Know that I understand your loss and grief. I still miss Jacky every day – in a few days it will be 8 years. Our family prays God will wrap each of you in His arms of comfort and peace and guide you through this difficult journey. Love always The Coker Family 🙏
Mr. Hobson was GHS principal my freshman year, he was one in a million. I am sad to hear of his passing, he was a good man. Rest in Peace Mr. Hobson, GISD was a better place because of you. My deepest condolences to Robbie, Kim, Chase and Reagan and families. ❤️