Poised, positive, and prepared, the precious soul of Charles Darnell Cobb moved from its earthly abode to its heavenly home on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. He was born to Huston and Sadie (Long) Cobb on May 3, 1948, in Leighton, Alabama. Darnell, as he was known, was the oldest of three children. His 67-year earthly journey was characterized by love of family, love of learning, and love of God. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Sadie; his brother, Bruce; his uncles, Ernest and Carl Cobb and Joe and John Lewis Long; and aunts, Mabel Pruitt, Mildred Stewart, and Jean Johnson.
A relatively quiet child, Darnell grew up in a nurturing family atmosphere close to doting grandparents, proud uncles and aunts, and very supportive cousins. In terms of birth order or rank, on the Long family side he was the fifth grandchild of Harry and Mary Ellen Long with Edward Pruitt and Elaine Pruitt being first and second, respectively. On the Cobb side, he was the first grandchild of Houston and Nazareth Cobb and, as a result, stepped up to his expected role as leader and model.
At an early age Charles Darnell was baptized and added to the Westside Church of Christ in Leighton and began probing religious philosophy. An avid reader, he studied the holy scripture, researched biblical history, and inquired into foundations of the Christian church. He passionately believed in God and endeavored to dedicate his life to living according to the word. He received much encouragement as he developed his quest for learning and his religious devotion. His high moral code, upright lifestyle, and Christian service earned him respect in church of Christ congregations in Inkster, Michigan, Columbia, Tennessee, and Leighton, Alabama. He led songs, taught Sunday school, and maintained electrical operations at each of these locations. His melodious baritone voice will be missed at Westside—it added so much to the worship services under the preachings of Brother Verleson Wesley and Brother Melvin Whitlock.
Charles Darnell attended the segregated schools of Bethel Elementary and Leighton Training School where, despite limitations, he excelled in music and science. He even developed some fine vocal skills as a member of the “famous NFA” singing group whose members also included Franklin Brown, Billy Miller, Albert Lee Peters, and Willie Phillips. They could really sing! Darnell graduated with the mighty Leighton Training School class of 1965 —greatly envied by the class of 1966. As an active band member, loyal classmate, and president of the class of 1965, he demonstrated cooperation, friendship, and leadership to his school community.
After graduating Leighton Training School, Darnell attended Tuskegee Institute. He moved to Michigan and was eventually drafted into the U.S. Army. After intense scrutiny he was selected as part of an elite group of special agents in secret security. For four years he served with distinction in Belgium. It was in Brussels, Belgium that his son Stephan was born to him and his first wife. Charles Darnell’s pursuit of science continued after his return to Michigan. He subsequently became a practicing electrician with his uncle Carl Cobb, who was his mentor and loving “post-army drill sergeant.” Darnell became a talented Industrial electrician with General Motors for 41 years. His expertise as a troubleshooter/repairman was in high demand. He retired in 2009 having rendered quality service at the Chevrolet facility in Livonia, Michigan and Saturn in Springhill, Tennessee.
In September of 1980, Darnell married the love of his life, Arie Mae Smith, and a few years later they became parents to one daughter, Jessica. Charles Darnell was a loving husband, father, grandparent, son, brother, nephew, uncle, and in-law to his family. He was depended upon and always rose to the task of providing whatever was needed. His kind spirit, wide smile, and warm hugs made him special by all who knew him. He was humble, helpful, generous, and caring. His Christian faith guided his steps in good times and in difficult times. In his valiant battle with cancer his sterling qualities and lifelong interests were apparent. His inquisitive mind researched medical journals about the disease; his courageous spirit kept him alert and his abiding faith in God kept him assured that eternal life was his reward. On Sunday morning, Feb. 14th at Maury Regional Hospital in Columbia, Tennessee, Darnell returned to his creator, God the Father. May his soul rest in peace.
Charles Darnell Cobb will be greatly missed and always loved and remembered by his loving wife, Arie Mae; his children, Stephan (Tonya) Cobb and Jessica Cobb; his granddaughter, Mya; his father, Huston Cobb; his sister, Cheryl (James) Travis; father-in-law, William Smith; four brothers-in-law, Roy (Dillia) Smith, Grady Smith, Bruce Smith, and Ricky Smith, and one sister-in-law, Brenda (Will) Williams, all of Newnan, Georgia; uncles, Leo (Nazerine) Cobb, Willie (Wilbie) Cobb, and Harry (Sammie) Long; aunts, Altha Pearl Nunery, Mary Blackamore, Dorothy Hailstock, Tracien Oates, Cleazell Long, Helen Cobb, and Anita Cobb; several nieces and nephews; a host of cousins, other relatives and friends; and special classmates, Joann Felton Bates and Gaynell Stanley Young.
Visitation will be on Friday, Feb. 19, 2016, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with the family being present from 6-8 p.m. at Thompson and Son Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. Funeral services will be on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016, at 1 p.m. at Mt. New Home Church, Old Highway 20 in Leighton, Alabama. Burial will follow in the Cobb Family Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cobb Family Cemetery Fund, Bank Independent, P.O. Box 5000, Sheffield, Alabama 35660 or the American Cancer Society.
