Gerald S. "Jerry" Cobb

1944 - 2024

Gerald S. "Jerry" Cobb

March 25, 1944 - June 3, 2024

Columbia, South Carolina - Gerald S. Cobb "Jerry" was born to James Aldrich and Clara Durden Cobb in Gloversville, SC on March 25, 1944. Jerry came into the world with an abundance of love and was raised by a family that relied on faith in the Lord and each other. For the next 80 years he embraced the importance of family first, leaned on his faith and generously gave his love to his family and friends until his departure from earth on June 3, 2024.

Jerry graduated with an Associates of Business from Columbia Business School. He had a long career in the transportation, warehouse and distribution business with companies like Standard Warehouse, Builders Transport and Dupont. He attended Dentsville High School where he met the love of his life Vilma Colon Cobb. He won her over with a Big Orange Soda that she didn't have to share and loved, challenged and supported her and their children over anything else in the world. Their 60 year marriage was his most important accomplishment and he was so proud of their children and the closeness and love they gave to each other and their cousins.

Well-known for his quick wit, pranks and funny stories – he was happiest sitting on a porch or in his yard giving those who needed it his time and advice. All left those talks believing anything was possible and knowing they were unconditionally loved. He was an animal whisperer and trained squirrels, chickens, bobcats, birds and stray dogs. He loved his neighbors as if they were his own family and made sure that Vilma had the prettiest yard and the most beautiful flowers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers (Jimmy and Johnny) and his beautiful granddaughter London Elaine Harrell who gave him his favorite name "Poppa".

He is survived by his grandson who was his "Big Buddy" – Maddux Alexander Harrell; his children Alex (Milli), Paula (Dennis and his three sons Degen, Gordon and Hardin) and Natalie (Tommy) Cobb; his sister Vie Swindler (Ronnie); and brother Billy Cobb (Sally); as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their families. He is most importantly survived by Vilma Colon Cobb – his partner in crime, best friend and the most beautiful girl in the world.

A service to celebrate Jerry's life will be held 11:00 am, Monday, June 17th, at Rehoboth United Methodist Church, 6911 Two Notch Road Columbia, SC. Following the service, the family invites you to join them at the church's Community Life Center for fellowship and laughter. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Live Like London Foundation, 345 Newberg Road, Chapin, SC 29036 or made online at https://www.livelikelondon.org; or to Rehoboth Methodist Church. The family would like to thank special caregivers Tripp Neal, Henrietta Qualls, and Debbie Sturgess.

Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com.