William Walton COBBS II

COBBS, William Walton II

89, died Oct. 23, 2014 in Tampa. He was born near Rocky Mount, VA, in 1925, son of the late Dr. Walter Herbert Cobbs and Louise Pearson Cobbs. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Walter Cobbs, Carrington Cobbs, Cabell Cobbs and a child who died at birth. He attended Rocky Mount High School, Roanoke College and a long list of graduate schools, including some in France. He was a World War II veteran, serving as guard for General Dwight Eisenhower. During his 5 years in France, he served as a diplomatic courier. For 25 years he has written a newspaper column, The Piney Woods Philosopher, for the Smyth County News and other Community Newspapers of Southwest Virginia. In addition to his newspaper work, Bill has published numerous books. He was president of a Chicago publishing company; he also made French language films for children for filmmaker Louis de Rochemont. His main love was founding a high school in St. Petersburg, The Academy For the Gifted, with his wife Rita. He is survived by his wife of many years, Rita Cooper Cromwell Cobbs, Tampa; a brother, John Cobbs, Newark, CA; sister-in-law, Doris Tate Cobbs, Vinton, VA; his seven children and their spouses: Louise Bennett (husband Stuart), Rural Retreat, VA, William Walton Cobbs III (wife Betty), Ecuador, Roberta Rademaker, Nobleton, Kathleen Doris Cobbs, Rural Retreat, VA, Cabell Flournoy Cobbs III (wife Marilynn), Irvine, CA, Stephanie Cobbs Woloshin (husband Jonathan), Cambridge, WI, Elizabeth Brooks and family, Los Angeles, CA; six grandchildren, Rachel Langlois Fortson, Wauconda, IL, Kathrynn Mary Cobbs, Irvine, CA, Thomas Cobbs, Irvine, CA, Jaclynn Jacie Cobbs, Irvine, CA, Zoe and Elise Woloshin, Cambridge, WI; one great-grandson, Alec Langtry, Buffalo Grove, IL; and many nieces and nephews. Williams other loves include many friends, especially Jean White and her son, Ethan, Kelley Curtis, and fellow journalist, Bethia Caffery. He had a truly interesting life and enjoyed it, which is all anybody can hope for. A memorial service will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Rural Retreat, VA, on Monday, Nov. 24, Pastor Jonathan Hamman officiating. Visitation will be at 10 am and service at 11 am, followed by a celebratory meal. Instead of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Paul ELCA Church, P.O. Box 478, Rural Retreat, VA 24368 or LifePath Hospice, 12470 Telecom Dr., Ste 300 W., Temple Terrace, FL 33637.