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Major Wayne Richmond Cobb, 90, of Melbourne, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2011. Wayne was born July 29, 1921 in Miami, Oklahoma, the son of the late Ella and Virgil Cobb. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Betty Cobb, and his son, Ricky Cobb.
Wayne graduated from Oklahoma State University. Wayne joined the United States Army Air Force (USAAF) and served during WWII for the Fifteenth Expeditionary Mobility Task Force. As a navigator for his crew that flew the B-24 Liberator in the 98th Bombardment Group, 343rd Squadron, the crew flew a plane named "Happy" from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The group flew a total of 417 missions, earning two Presidential Unit Citations. He was stationed in the European Theatre and flew missions primarily in Italy, Romania and Southern Germany.
After retiring as a Major from the Air Force, he instructed pilots to fly L-1011's for Eastern Airlines until his retirement in 1984. Wayne enjoyed traveling and his memberships with the Quiet Birdmen and Indian River Colony Club.
Wayne is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Leslie and Peter Palmer, of Tampa; granddaughter, Megan Palmer of Orlando; grandson, Tyler Palmer of Tampa, and many good friends. Wayne touched the lives of many people with his generosity, and maintained his trademark sense of humour all the way to the end.
One of his greatest loves in life was flying.
"To most people, the sky is the limit.
To those who love aviation, the sky is home."
— anon.
A service will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 1:00 pm at Florida Memorial Funeral Home, directly followed by a celebration of life at IRCC.
Arrangements by Florida Memorial Funeral Home, Rockledge, 636-8943.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
"Wayne R" was my ground school and simulator instructor as I progressed through Lockheed L-1011 training at Eastern Airlines in 1979. He was my sponsor when I joined the ranks of QUIET BIRDMEN after 1011 flight training. He was regarded by all Eastern pilots as the best Instructor in the L-1011 program. His knowledge of the aircraft and its systems was total, a gift which he so generously shared with all who sought his help.
Although not generally known, "Wayne R" was the only simulator instructor who also held a pilot's type rating on the L-1011 aircraft.
Now, Wayne,you face your final flight West, you can have any aircraft you choose.You've got plenty of time in the P-51 and there's one sitting out on the ramp; it's yours for the taking. You can have any altitude you wish, there are no restrictions. The weather is no problem, you've got clear skies and tail winds all the way.Send me a signal upon arrival, I'm not far behind you. We'll join up for another big one and do this thing together all over again. Keep the greasy side up my friend. It's been a great run.
Cliff Umscheid, Captain,(ret). Eastern Airlines
Clifford Umscheid
December 2, 2011
I was Wayne's private caretaker for the last four weeks of his life. It was a pleasure to meet Mr. Cobb and work with him and get to know his stories. Whatever he wanted to do in a day, I did it. Wherever he wanted to go in a day, I took him. I just wanted him to enjoy his time left. Thank You Mr Cobb!
Tracy Bleimeyer
November 30, 2011
I remember Mr Cobb, coming into the 19th hole at the Indian River Colony Club,every Saturday afternoon for lunch. Had the soup of the day and the special of the day, most of the time at his favorite table next to the door.
Anthony M. Zuccarelli
Anthony M. Zuccarelli
November 24, 2011
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