Robert Thomas Cobb

Robert Thomas Cobb, age 93, of Athens, died Thursday, June 9, at Athens Regional Medical Center, after an extended illness. A native of Mount Vernon, Georgia, he had lived in Athens since 1964. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945, and graduated from what is now Georgia State University in 1949 when that institution was still a division of the University of Georgia.

He had a distinguished career in the insurance industry. In 1964 he was hired by Southern Mutual Insurance Company in Athens to a newly-created position aimed at enlisting new agents around the state. He travelled the state extensively for years and seemed to know somebody in almost every town in Georgia. He worked for Southern Mutual for 25 years until his retirement in 1989. He was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Athens where he held several leadership roles over the years. He was also a long-time member of the Athens Rotary Club and had near-perfect attendance for many years as he would visit other Rotary Clubs as he travelled the state.

Bob, as he was known to everyone, enjoyed square dancing for many years and made many lifelong friends enjoying that activity. One of his greatest pleasures was attending Georgia Bulldog football games and tailgating with friends from near and far. He enjoyed cheering on the Bulldog men’s basketball team and was also a huge fan of the Atlanta Braves. He coached men’s softball at First Presbyterian for several years and made some lasting friendships in that endeavor. Bob was known and loved by all for his good humor and good storytelling.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Vivian Barber Cobb; his son, Robert T. Cobb, Jr.; his father, Norvin Durham Cobb; his mother, Eula McRae Cobb; and his sister, Mary Cobb Whatley.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Leita Castellaw Cobb; his daughter, Sharon Cobb Smith; his four grandchildren, Wes Smith (Catherine), Lauren Smith Konigsberg (David), Brittany Smith Bradley (Zachary), and Emily Smith, and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his nephew, Tom Whatley (Amy); two great-nephews, Tommy and Matthew (Kimberly) Whatley, and his niece, Marijac Whatley, and by three step-sons, Ralph Pardue, Jon Pardue, Sam Pittard, and two step-daughters, Phyllis Kiser, and Jennifer Wilma Pittard, and five step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by several cousins.

Funeral services will be held Friday, June 17, at 2 p.m. in the Sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church of Athens, with Parish Associate Dr. John Kipp officiating. A reception will follow. A private burial will be in the McRae Family Lot in the Mount Vernon Cemetery.

The family respectfully requests no flowers. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Athens, 185 E. Hancock Ave., Athens, GA 30601.

Online condolences may be offered at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.