The magnificent soul of LEO MACK COBB took flight on October 15, 2018 — just seven days before his 91st birthday. This full and rewarding earthly life was exchanged for heavenly bliss in the arms of his blessed Lord whom he loved dearly.
Leo’s remarkable journey began on October 22, 1927, in the Bethel community in east Colbert County. Houston and Nazareth (Carter) named their third child in honor of his paternal grandfather upon whose farm he was born. Early on, he developed a strong work ethic, set high standards, established exemplary moral values, displayed strong family ties and was committed to community concerns — qualities which led to a rewarding life.
Being reared in a Christian home where worship, church and Sunday School participation was a family affair, Leo learned to love God and humanity. His parents insisted upon obedience, good manners, and unity from all seven of their children. Loving Christ was in Leo’s DNA, and he exhibited religious commitment via his leadership in the Westside church of Christ. He was a charter member, treasurer, song leader, Sunday School teacher, and an elder of this Leighton congregation. In 1985 and 1987, he and his late brother, Ernest, made mission trips to Liberia, West Africa.
Because Leo’s inquiring mind ALWAYS wanted to know, his education was ongoing and varied. From a one-room school at Bethel, to college courses at New York Technical Institute and the University of North Alabama, he was an informed and critical learner with a keen desire to expand his horizons.
Foremost in his educational career were his six years at Leighton Training School. The impact of his beloved alma mater prompted him to provide a framework for its history. In 1988, he founded and was the president of the LTS all-school reunion. His visionary leadership and documented history lessons are noteworthy and were recognized in the recent 2018 reunion book.
After graduation in 1946 and a short employment at the Union Carbide plant, Leo joined the military. As a military policeman, he served two separate tours … 1948-49 and 1950-51. In 1951 he received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army.
The early 1950’s brought unparalleled joy to Leo Mack Cobb. In 1951 he married the love of his life, Nazerine Jarmon. They were blessed with two children, Renita Joyce an Alvin Bernard, whom they reared to be God-fearing, socially conscious, intellectual, and independent. The Cobb home was a haven of love, a model for nurturing and a fun place where children and grandchildren could thrive and achieve. Relatives, friends, and church associates were welcomed and shared in the gracious hospitality offered in this household.
Leo found employment at TVA when the Union Carbide plant closed. At TVA, he became a chemical plant foreman and was a featured spokesman in the 2008 TVA documentary, “Built For The People.”
He was a community volunteer giving service to: Brick-Hatton Fire Department, the Tennessee Historical Society, the Alabama Historical Association and the Colbert County Homeland Security Unit. He actively participated in the NAACP, Voters League, and the Institute for Learning in Retirement. He enjoyed history and travelled extensively to historical sites throughout America. His interest in and ownership of an antique car earned him awards and membership in the Muscle Shoals Antique Auto Club.
Leo was a cherished citizen who will be greatly missed but whose legacy will live on. He led a noble fight against renal disease, but now he is without pain and sleeps in the arms of his Lord. May his soul rest in peace.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Ernest and Carl; beloved in-laws and nephews.
He is survived by his loving, dedicated wife of 67 years, Nazerine; his children, Renita and Alvin (Dianne); his grandchildren, Alyce (Dimeji) Ogunsola and Alvin, Jr.; his brothers, Huston and Willie (Wilbie); his sisters, Tracien Oates and Cleazell Long; his sisters-in-law, Fannie Madden, Margaret Thompson, Edna Bolling, Naomi Jarmon, Helen Cobb and Anita Cobb; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
