David Lawrence Cobb, 93, of Arab, Alabama, passed away Friday evening, January 30, 2026, at his home.
Mr. Cobb was born September 2, 1932, in Arab, Alabama, to Crayton C. and Carrie Farrow Cobb. He was married for 52 years to his beloved wife, Eleanor Ruth Cobb.
He was a graduate of Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky, and earned his seminary degree from Emory University, with additional studies at Yale University and the University of Grenoble in France. David and his wife served for ten years as missionaries in the Congo, Africa. In addition to serving as the mission treasurer, he trained pastors, educated church leaders, and often flew as a bush pilot, delivering medical and other essential supplies to remote interior villages.
Mr. Cobb had lived in the Arab area for the past 56 years. He taught at Lee High School and Arab High School, where he also coached basketball and later golf—a sport he loved. He earned his master’s degree from Alabama A&M University and retired in 1992 after over 25 years of teaching. He was a member of Arab First United Methodist Church and Arab Wesleyan Church.
He is survived by three children: son Philip Cobb (Robbie) of Prosper, Texas; daughters Carole Tanner (Butch) of Hong Kong and Linda Gainous (Trey) of Madison, Alabama; six grandchildren, Jill Tanner, Kay Hippler (Cullen), Adam Cobb, Daniel Cobb, Michael Gainous, and Julie Gainous; and one brother, Ray Cobb of Arab. David was one of eleven children.
He cared deeply for his large extended family of numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces and treasured his relationships with them all.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Arab Wesleyan Church. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., with the service to follow. Burial will follow at Brashier’s Chapel Cemetery, with Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel directing.
