Richard Granville Cobb, Sr., 77, of Yulee, Florida passed through the heavenly gates to be with his Lord and Father on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 after an extended illness.
He was born in Atlanta, Georgia on April 8, 1946 to Granville Cobb and Dessie Mae Haygood. As a child, he quickly developed a love for the outdoors, nature, and hunting. He attended Forest Park High School where he was active in football, baseball, track, and chorus.
In 1963, Richard fulfilled his dream of serving our nation by joining the United States Air Force. Serving 8 years, he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and was honorably discharged in 1971.
He later returned to the Atlanta area where he ultimately met the love of his life, Linda Gail Dodd, and her two children, Kenneth and Michelle. Embarking on a new life journey, he and Linda were married in 1972 and later welcomed sons Richard, Jr. and Ryan.
The family relocated to Amelia Island, Florida in 1983 where Richard excelled in his profession of Purchasing Management until his retirement in 2015. During these years, he actively volunteered in the community through various local school programs, was a member of the Jacksonville Purchasing Council, and coached youth baseball. He was also an active member of both the Amelia Masonic Lodge, where he was a Past Master, and the Yulee United Methodist Church.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Granville and Dessie Mae, sister Sherry, daughter Michelle Lynn Stroud (Bain), and many friends and relatives.
Richard leaves behind his wife of 51 years, Linda Cobb of Yulee, FL, his children: Ken (Sheila) Stroud of Neptune Beach, FL; Patrick (Dani) Kelly of Williamson, GA; Richard (Nicole) Cobb, Jr. of Ormond Beach, FL; and Ryan (Shaunacy) Cobb of Fairfield, CT; his siblings: Steve (Sherri) Logue of St. Albans, ME; Terri (John) New of Winston, GA; Jerry (Barbara) Cobb of Canton, GA; Angela (Richard) Boatright of Jasper, GA; Michelle Madrigal of Rome, GA; and several nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Known affectionately as Papa, he is survived by 12 loving grandchildren: Justin Bain, Katie Bain, Patrick Kelly, Jr., Aaron Kelly, Hunter Stroud, Hailey Stroud, Harrison Stroud, Amelia Cobb, Lydia Cobb, Julia Cobb, Annabelle Cobb, and Elena Cobb.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11am on Tuesday, November 28th at the Yulee United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the DONNA Foundation to assist families impacted by breast cancer.
Richard will be interred at later date at the Jacksonville National Cemetery for military veterans.