Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Obituary

Educator David Mobley dies at 78

A teacher to many in Pasco, he's best known as the foundation of the school district's exemplary media services department.

By MARY SPICUZZA
Published December 30, 2005

	David Mobley served in the Army and Air Force in World War II and the Korean War.

DADE CITY - Everything William "David" Mobley did, he did with love.

And he was a busy man.

Mr. Mobley worked as Pasco County Schools director of media services, a department he helped create. He taught flower arranging with the adult education program and was working on a book about the county's history. He decorated the school district offices for the holidays.

It's no wonder so many people are going to miss him.

The Dade City native died at his home on Wednesday (Dec. 28, 2005). He was 78.

"David was just a supernice person. Very caring, compassionate, loving," former Dade City Commissioner Lowell Harris said Thursday. "He cared about the community and that's my kind of person. He gave a lot."

Harris, who said he knew Mr. Mobley for 45 of the 46 years that he has been in Dade City, described him as both a good friend and a well-loved community institution.

"There are certain people who pass away and nobody cares," Harris said. "But not David."

Mr. Mobley was born in Dade Cit y and spent most of his life here, with the exception of tours of duty serving in both the Army and Air Force during World War II and the Korean War.

He began his four decades with Pasco County Schools at Lacoochee Elementary School, where he taught a variety of subjects, from Spanish to music.

Lacoochee principal Karen Marler, who had Mr. Mobley as her sixth- and seventh-grade teacher, said she had kept in touch with him over the years.

"He said, "I've always followed you,' " Marler said. "He was creative, talented, enthusiastic, and a gentle spirit."

While Mr. Mobley was a teacher at Lacoochee, he helped start the library and became a part-time media specialist.

Many cite Mr. Mobley's vision and hard work as the foundation of the district's media center.

"Pasco County's media center has really been truly exemplary in the state, and that came from David Mobley," longtime district employee Randall Belcher said.

"He would spend extra time on his own, doing above and beyond helping teachers and students."

He worked to improve the district in ways big and small.

"At Christmas he was always doing the decorations," former Pasco schools superintendent Tom Weightman said. "It always looked wonderful."

Officials named the W. David Mobley Media Center at the district's headquarters in Land O'Lakes to honor his many contributions.

He also was a member of the Pioneer Florida Museum and the Pasco County Fair Association. He was crucial in helping with the museum's upcoming book, Pasco County: Its History and Its People, museum trustee Carolyn Falls said.

Mr. Mobley's nephew, Frank Murphy, said his uncle's love of Pasco history also is a family matter.

"We're from at least three pioneer families. We go back like eight generations of Pasco County," Murphy said. "He was very proud of that."

Mr. Mobley is survived by two nephews, Jimmie and Frank Murphy, both of Dade City; two grandnephews, Timothy and Ethan Murphy; and one grandniece, Alex Murphy.

The memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Monday at Hodges Family Funeral Home, Dade City.

[Last modified December 30, 2005, 00:57:15]