William J. "Bill" Cobb

COBB, William J. "Bill," 87, of Lorida, Fla., passed away at his home with his wife by his side October 13, 2010. He was born June 7, 1923, to William Cobb and Hazel Cobb in Athens County, Ohio. He was a graduate of Hollister High School, where he met and then married Violet J. Freeman October 3, 1942. Bill and Violet had recently celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. Shortly after their marriage, Bill was called into service by the U. S. Army. Bill entered World War II at Omaha Beach on D-Day. He served in General George Patton' s 3rd Army, driving a tank destroyer. He was part of the combat liberation forces to liberate France Luxembourg, Germany, and BeIgium and was part of the rescue unit that liberated the 101 1st Airborne In Holland. His story was recorded by "Story Corp" and is located in the National Archives. He would always say they were some of the best and worst experiences of his life. He would not have missed it for the world. After his return from duty, Bill and Violet began their long and beautiful life together. They had six children. Bill was preceded in death by his daughter, Laura Ann Youngman, and is survived by his loving wife, Violet J. Cobb of Lorida; daughters, Linda J. Markle (Ed) of Chugiak, Alaska, Sherri L. Hunt (Larry) of Sebring, Fla., Barbara J. Ruble (Dave) of Jasper, Ga., and Tracey K. Sanborn of Sebring; son, Bill G. Cobb, of Lorida; brother, James T. Cobb of Cherokee, N. C.; sisters, Rebecca Jones of Colorado City, Colo., Jean Laird of Mesa, Ariz., and Marilyn Mooney of Holstein, Iowa; 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and many of his beloved nieces and nephews. In 1960 Bill and Violet began living in Naples, Fla., where he worked for Mallory Construction as the superintendent for 30 years. He retired to Lorida, Fla., in 1983. Bill Cobb loved his wife, his family and his work. As an avid hunter and fisherman, camping outdoors and traveling back roads with his wife and family were his favorite things to do. He was blessed, honored and loved by all. This man will be missed. In honor of his loving granddaughter, Amy, it is requested that in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Ridge Area A.R.C. at 120 West College Drive, Avon Park, FL 33825. Funeral services will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Chapel of Dowden Funeral Home, with the Rev. Winfred White officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until service time. Online condolences may be sent at TBO.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Dowden Funeral Home. Dowden Funeral Home 2605 Bayview St.

Sebring, FL 33870

(863) 385-1546