His parents were Acie and Avis Dobbs, and his childhood was marked by many moves.
In 1964, Dobbs married a high school classmate named Judy, and the couple had two children, Stephanie and Coley.
During his career, he performed in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) circuit.
He was named PRCA Clown of the Year twice in 1978 and 1988 and the Coors Man in the Can (the barrelman inside the barrel in the arena during the bull riding at the National Finals Rodeo) four times in 1985, 1986, 1990 and 1993.
After his retirement, he became justice of the peace in Coahoma, Texas;[4] a position he held until his death in 2014.