Jack W. Cosby

A man known for his handshake, kind smile and generosity, his legacy will be the footprint he left on this earth in the form of his family and his businesses. Twelve days before his 87th birthday, Jack Willis Cosby's life ended on July 23, 2023, but his legacy remains vibrant, manifested in his children and grandchildren, and through the many fruitful enterprises he undertook.
While the last couple of weeks were undeniably tough for Jack, please remember him instead for the 86 years we were all blessed to have him in our lives; 86 years rich with love, hard-work, and an unwavering faith in Christ.
Remember the man born on August 4, 1936 in Harrogate, Tennessee, who ventured north almost 70 years ago with only $80 in his pocket to begin a new life in Monroe, Michigan. He fell in love with Monroe the first time he visited when he saw the River Raisin running right through town.
Remember the man who met the love of his life Carole Pulcheon in the spring of 1956 and was so smitten they got married on December 20, 1958. Jack would frequently say how everything he accomplished in life was because of Carole - he said he couldn't have done any of it without her.
Remember the man who with Carole on September 24th, 1964 started a family with the birth of Janelle; soon after Jack LaMonte "Monte", Valerie, and Shelly would also bless their home to round out a beautiful, happy family.
Remember the man who served his church loyally as a deacon since 1967, making countless friends and touching so many lives with his generosity and caring personality.
Remember the man who started as a third-shift janitor at Ace Paper, and through hard-work, and sheer force of will worked his way to the second highest position in the company - truly embodying the American dream.
Remember the man who after a stint at La-Z-Boy Chair Co. decided to take a chance on his own, and starting in 1970 grew a business with just a few pieces of used furniture into the 20,000 square-foot United Furniture showroom on Telegraph Road in Monroe.
Remember the man who consistently donated to causes he believed in, who would have literally given you the shirt off his back if you truly needed it as long as you were okay with a white, short-sleeve button up dress shirt - Jack's self-prescribed uniform for the last 60+ years.
Remember the man behind the proudly decorated United Furniture booth at the annual Monroe County Fair, tirelessly greeting everyone and encouraging them to sign up to win a free grandfather clock.
Remember the man who vigorously encouraged his children and grandchildren to pursue education in part because he was only able to attend school through the 8th grade; he said he wanted each of them to have opportunities he never had.
Remember the man who despite being frugal in all other areas of his life always made sure he was driving a nice new car; a passion he carried forward from his youth.
Remember the man who until his final days was handing out business cards and running his newest venture, United Properties of Monroe LLC; Jack's ambitious mind truly never stopped.
Remember the man who at his deathbed had 9 grandchildren travel from 5 states at the drop of a hat - this speaks to what kind of a Papaw he was; a man whose three daughters essentially moved-in to be his full-time caretakers when he needed them most - this speaks to what kind of a father he was; a man whose wife remained close by his side for 64 years - this speaks to what kind of a husband he was; a man who had friends and family come in from far and wide - this speaks to what kind of a person he was. In today's busy world where time is often valued above all else it speaks volumes that everyone showed up quickly and with no hesitation when they heard their Papaw/dad/husband/friend was terminally ill.
Jack was a principled man with strong values centered around his family, his faith in Christ, and his work. He believed that with some common sense, hard work, and a clean haircut you could go far in this world. A self-described hillbilly from Tennessee, Jack practiced what he preached and proved how a man can start from nothing and become a very successful, widely respected businessman in the city he adopted and loved.
Jack passed away peacefully in his sleep Sunday morning. How fitting that on The Seventh Day, Jack Willis Cosby was finally able to rest. While we all had our own individual last goodbyes with Jack, we hope that after you wipe away the tears you're able to smile as you reflect back on all he did, all he meant, and all he was.
Jack is survived by his wife, Carole; daughter Janelle (Dave) Gonyea of Rochester, MN; daughter Valerie (Marty) Fuson of Monroe; daughter Shelly (Derek) Corrin of Monroe; two brothers, Elmer Cosby of Knoxville, TN and Pete (Joan) Cosby of Shawanee, TN; two sisters, Marie Josephine (John) Massengill of Flat Rock and Sue Allen of Knoxville, TN; 9 grandchildren, Jack Reece (Tori) Cosby, Mikail (Niraali Lad) Gonyea, Corey Fuson, Rachael (Kevin) Payne, Emerson "Jack" (Jenna) Gonyea, Liam Gonyea, Carley (Jeremy) Snyder, Reed Corrin and Sydney Corrin; 2 great-grandchildren, McKenzi Cosby and Jack Wyatt Cosby; numerous nieces and nephews; countless friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents Jerry and Doxie (Davis) Cosby; son Jack LaMonte "Monte" Cosby; 6 brothers, Charley Cosby, Ernest Cosby, Bennie Cosby, James Cosby, Howard Cosby and Clyde Cosby; 4 sisters, Glessie Jewell, Mollie Ferguson, Ruby Essary and Phyllis Allen; 3 nephews and 3 nieces.
All are welcome to come celebrate Jack's life and share memories at Bacarella Funeral Home on Thursday, July 27th from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. On Friday, Jack will lie in state at 10 a.m. at Frenchtown Missionary Baptist Church where services will begin at 11 a.m. The church pastor, Rev. Fred Mayes and Rev. Larry Head, pastor of Lakeside Missionary Baptist Church, will co-officiate. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions in Jack's memory may be made to Frenchtown Missionary Baptist Church, Lakeside Missionary Baptist Church, Friends of Companion Animals or donor's choice.
The family would like to thank ProMedica Hospice and Friends of the Family Home Health Care for all their support and excellent care during Jack's final days.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.