James Frank Dubberly

Longtime Savannah shrimper James “Frank” Dubberly passed away peacefully on Sunday September 22nd , 2024 at the age of 86 surrounded by family. Frank was born in Appling County, Georgia on March 24th, 1938 where he grew up on the family farm with his eleven siblings. A true jack of all trades, Frank’s working life ran the gamut from farmer, Air Force mechanic, barber, and fireman before he discovered the shrimping industry. What began as weekend trips to catch shrimp for Sunday supper evolved into a thriving family business, Dubberly’s Seafood that has been an east coast staple for over 50 years.

Frank was known for his hardworking nature, integrity, unmatched resourcefulness, and brilliant mechanical mind. He constructed a fiberglass mold to build his own shrimp boats, then shared it with other fishermen. Frank was the consummate businessman, once refusing to loan his shrimp boat out for the filming of the famous “Forrest Gump” movie for free. Later, he profited by selling moss from oak trees on his property to a film crew for the hefty sum of $500.

He was generous with his knowledge and expertise, mentoring and befriending many local shrimpers over the years. When another fisherman broke down or needed spare parts, he was only a phone call away, although it may have taken Frank a minute to figure out which truck, golf cart, or pair of jeans he had written their phone number on.

Friends describe Frank as having only one speed: full throttle. He gave his all to his business, but he was equally devoted to his family and friends. He married his wife of 66 years, Elva “Jean” Herndon Dubberly in 1958. He also leaves behind three children: Mike Dubberly (Vicky), Linda Dubberly Whiddon (Stacey), Jeff Dubberly (Cindy), five grandchildren: Nicole Dubberly, Michael Dubberly, Julie Whiddon Carver (Steven), Justin Whiddon, Jenna Dubberly Wilson (Zachary), two great-grandchildren: Samantha and Oliver Carver as well as dear friend and long-time employee, Debbie Langston.

Frank is preceded in death by his parents Clyde and Ola McNeil Dubberly, brothers Claude Dubberly, Cecil Dubberly, Leroy Dubberly, and sister Louise Johnson. His surviving siblings are Bud Dubberly (Beth), Joe Dubberly (Joann), Paul Dubberly (Donna), Clarice Swinson, Frances McGlohon (Linton), Doris Dugger (Don), and Pat Moody.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 25th from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at Gamble Funeral Service - 410 Stephenson Avenue, Savannah.

Funeral services will follow at 1:00 pm in the chapel of Gamble Funeral Service with Pastor Bobby Graves officiating.

Interment will be in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Savannah.

Pallbearers will be Jeff Harris, Ricky Miles, Alex Morris, Stevie Morrison, Roy Reagan and Derek Stewart. Honorary Pallbearers will be Leon Barnard, Cordele Golden, Charlie Leverette, John Stein, and Dennis Ulmer.

The family wishes to express special thanks to Karly Johnson, RN with Coastal Care Partners and caregiver Theresa Stanley.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the juvenile diabetes charity: Camp Kudzu, 5885 Glenridge Drive Suite 160, Atlanta, GA 30328.

Friends may sign the online register book at www.gamblefuneralservice.com .