Name: Visitation for Rusty Cobb Jr.
Start: 2023-06-13T17:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-06-13T18:00:00.000Z
Location: First United Methodist Church

Rusty Cobb, Jr
December 30, 1926 - June 7, 2023
Hickory, North Carolina - It is with sadness, and also peace in our hearts, that the family of Olyo Russell (Rusty) Cobb, Jr., announce his passing on June 7, 2023, at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory, N.C., after 96 wonderful years of life and 71 years of loving marriage.
Born Dec. 30, 1926, in Halifax County, N.C.,the sixth child of seven, including his late twin sister, Hazel,of the late Olyo Russell Cobb, Sr., and Patty Roberto Spence Cobb.
A veteran of the U.S. Navy Air Corp, he attended NC State before receiving his civil engineering degree from Southern Tech (branch of Georgia Tech). At his first job, he supervised construction of Cone Memorial Hospital in Greensboro, N.C., and went on ultimately to Charlotte, N.C., where he was the lead job engineer for the original, 15-story Wachovia Bank building Uptown. He retired in Charlotte from Crowder Constructionwhere he served as Chief Estimator, and he was a former long-time member of the Professional Estimator's Association and the Carolina's chapter of the Association of General Contractors.
Rusty was a dedicated member of First United Methodist Church in Hickory and a previous member for 38 years at St. Paul United Methodist Church (now Sedgefield UMC) in Charlotte. He was very active with church and held many offices, such as, Sunday School President, Chairman of the Property and Building Committees and a member of the Senior Citizen Council. He was also a member of the Mission Team for Western NC and attended a number of mission trips, both in the U.S. and abroad.
Rusty was devoted to his family, serving as a Cub Scout Master and Boy Scout Master for 13 years, as well as coaching various football and baseball teams for both of his sons.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret Jurney Cobb; two sons, Michael Russell Cobb and wife Judy of Hickory, James Bradley Cobb of Statesville; his younger brother, Clifton W. Cobb; granddaughters, Hailey Cobb Quinn and husband Brooks of Charlotte,and Kensi Cobb Saia and husband Eric of Raleigh, N.C.; great-grandchildren, William Russell Saia, James Emma Quinn, and Harrison Steven Saia.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at 2:00 PM at First United Methodist Church in Hickory with the Rev. Paul Christy officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1 - 2:00 PM and a reception will follow the service at the church.
At his foundation, Poppy, as he was lovingly known, was always a builder, and not just of big buildings. The last nail is now hammered, the last shovel of dirt turned. So, after a wonderful 96 years, this job is now complete.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, Discretionary Fund, 311 3rd Ave., NE, Hickory, NC 28601.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charlotte Observer on Jun. 11, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Rusty Cobb

3 Entries

Billie Holden Wilson

June 15, 2023

Thinking of the Cobb family during this time of sorrow. We were also part of the St. Paul United Methodist family for many years. My parents, Bill and Margaret Holden were active and served in the church with your parents. I will always remember Margaret's sweet smile, kindness and her service to this wonderful family oriented church and your Dad in the scouts when my Dad was the Scoutmaster. May the wonderful memories of Mr Cobb give you the strength in the days ahead to get you through this difficult time.

Linda Brown

June 12, 2023

I knew Rusty in his later years and he was such a gentleman!

Karen Bennett

June 9, 2023

It has been my pleasure to know Rusty and Margaret for the last 10 years. Many years ago we lived on the same street, but it wasn't until my parents moved from Florida to Hickory that I got to know them. They took my parents ( Ken and Sarah) under their wings and helped them adjust to their new home at Pinecrest. Every day the four of them have eaten lunch and dinner together.... When my father passed away during covid, they "snuck" in to the very small service... They stayed by my Mother's side during that time and helped her make the adjustment to another new way of life. Rusty had such a quiet, calming way of life. Whenever he spoke, it was with a gentle, peaceful, slow Southern drawl. He will be deeply missed by ever so many people. I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to know him! Deepest condolences to Margaret and the family - he was so proud of, and dearly loved all of you.

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results