Charles Cobb's Obituary
Charles Pittman Cobb, 87, died peacefully June 1, 2010 of complications following a stroke. Charley was born July 28, 1922 in Memphis to Oliver Perry Cobb, Sr and Julia Anna Pittman Cobb. He was a 1940 graduate of Whitehaven High School and attended Southwestern-At-Memphis (Rhodes College). He graduated in August, 1943 from Duke University with an A.B. in Accounting. He was a 1948 Graduate of University of Virginia Law School.He served in the U.S. Navy in World War II rising to the rank of Lt. and was Commanding Officer of his ship. He was licensed to practice law in the State of Tennessee in 1948. He joined what is now the Evans& Petree law firm in 1949, becoming a senior partner and retired from the firm in 1984. He was a partner in Cobb Fiduciary Services. He was a Baord Member of Power Equipment Company of Memphis and of the Chuck Hutton Company. He was a former Board Member of Memphis Bank Trust Company. He was a member of the Memphis & Shelby County Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, Sigma Nu Fraternity, ODK National Leadership Fraternity, the Memphis Country Club and the Old Goats Society. He was a former Board Member and a Past President of the Memphis Orchestral Society. He served as an Officer of Election for the Shelby County Election Commission. He was a Life Trustee of Rhodes being awarded the Distinguished Service Medal in 1981. He served on the Memphis & Shelby County Planning Commission from 1961 to 1962. He was a former member of the 100 Club of Memphis, and a past President of The Estate Planning Council of Memphis. He grew up in the Whitehaven Baptist Church. He joined Lindenwood Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 1948, where he served as an Elder, Chairman of the Official Board, and Chairman of the Organ Committee. He also taught the College Age Sunday School Class. He was a former associate member of the Royal Poinciana Chapel, Palm Beach, FL, where he served as an Elder and was Chairman of the Organ Committee. Charley was a lifelong golfer and a member of “the Dogs” golf group at the Memphis Country Club. He was an ardent supporter of classical music. He was a devout Christian and an exemplar of one who completely trusted in the love and grace of God. He was devoted to his family, especially his beloved wife, Ruth. He and Ruth loved fishing together. He was an inspiration to his children and grandchildren for his thoughtfulness and kindnesses. He is survived by his wife of more than sixty-one years, Ruth M. Cobb; his children, Elizabeth C. Houston (Horace), Oliver P. Cobb III (Lu Lee) and Charles P.”Chuck” Cobb, Jr. (Scottie) and daughter-in-law, Kathryn B. “Kathy” Cobb and four granddaughters, two grandsons and a great granddaughter. He is also survived by many nephews, nieces, cousins and many friends. He was predeceased by his parents, his five brothers and sisters, Janie C. Coleman, Oliver P. Cobb, Jr., William S. Cobb, Anna Louise C. Carney, and Harry E. Cobb, a son, Thomas O. Cobb and a granddaughter, Kathryn S. ‘Katy” Cobb. A Memorial Service will be held at Lindenwood Christian Church at Noon on Saturday, June 5, 2010, with visitation and a reception immediately afterwards at the Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Lindenwood Christian Church, Rhodes College or Memphis Symphony Orchestra.
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