The Shoals area lost a valuable asset when HUSTON COBB, JR. died on Saturday, August 5, 2023. A man of great distinction, he devoted his life to God, his family, his country and his community. During his 98 years on earth, he excelled in various endeavors as family patriarch, church leader, military veteran, political advocate, author, historian, genealogist, organizational leader, mentor and TVA supervisor.
HUSTON was the second child born to Houston and Nazareth (Carter) Cobb on the family farm in the east Colbert community of Bethel on March 10, 1925. Early on, he was tagged as “Buddy” who exhibited leadership. He became responsible for managing assigned chores and directing his six siblings. HUSTON’S Christian-centered home and religious upbringing instilled in him love, respect for all people and a strong work ethic.
As a youth, he united with Bethel (Colbert) M.B. Church which was co-founded by his great-grandfather and pastored by his grandfather. His father, who was a deacon, and mother hosted weekend itinerant ministers and served delicious Sunday dinners to all pulpit guests. HUSTON recalls helping with food preparation, transportation of the dead to the cemetery via wagon and mule and singing with the Happy Hitters, a local gospel quartet.
When he was sixth grade, he transferred from the Bethel school to Leighton Training School where he met his future wife. In 1945 his father accepted his high school diploma because HUSTON had been drafted earlier into the Navy and was serving in Pearl Harbor at the time. His accounts of his military experience have provided many historical facts about the 1940’s. He was a dedicated alumnus of LTS helping to establish viable organizations and reunions. After his honorable discharge, HUSTON returned to the community of his birth, began working at TVA and married his elementary school sweetheart, Sadie Long. Their 50 year marriage produced three children, Charles Darnell, Bruce Winfred and Cheryl Desiree who were nurtured with unconditional love, boundless wisdom and unwavering support. HUSTON and Sadie enjoyed gardening, traveling and spending time with their grandchildren until her untimely death in 1998.
HUSTON led an impressive life as a leader and visionary of many civic organizations and community efforts. He became the pioneer in many cases. Namely, he {1] was the first African-American supervisor at TVA where he worked 40 years [2} was the second African-American to serve on the Board of Trustees at University of North Alabama {3} was an early African-American to join the local Republican Party and was personally contacted by national, state and local politicians for advice {4} was a founding member and course leader of the Institute of Learning in Retirement at UNA {5}was a member of the Colbert County Board of Equalization {6} was a very active member of NAACP which was forced to function as the Voter’s League during the Civil Rights Movement yet helped implement the peaceful integration of schools and public institutions in Northwest Alabama.
Most significantly, in 1955, HUSTON became a charter member of the Westside Church of Christ in Leighton. As elder, Sunday School teacher, mentor, Bible scholar and general overseer, he was an example of the faithful servant whose works are legendary and do follow them. In 2003, HUSTON married Clara Jarmon, a longtime member of Westside Church. Amazingly, at 96 years old he was still teaching Bible Studies.
Also, another astounding accomplishment of this senior citizen was the 2023 publication of his book, Black Folktales of Muscle Shoals co-authored with Ricky Butch Walker. HUSTON compiled and documented history of African-Americans in the area from interviews and research he had conducted in the 1990’s. His sharp memory and intellect have provided invaluable insight into ancestry, slavery, racial relations, and the development of the region from the perspectives of those who lived there.
HUSTON COBB’S exceptional life ended on August 5 in Jonesboro, Georgia where he had moved to be near his daughter. Prior to his move, he received excellent care and attention from his special friend, Essie Lanier and staff at Morningside Center.
He will be greatly missed but always remembered. He was a good, kind and friendly gentleman whose wisdom and service inspired all who crossed his path. Certainly, the Shoals has lost a valuable treasure for which we are all grateful. MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sadie; two sons, Darnell and Bruce; a granddaughter, Tabitha; two sisters, Tracien Oates and Cleazell Long and three brothers, Leo, Ernest and Carl.
Left to cherish his memory are: devoted daughter, Cheryl (James) Travis; two granddaughters, Jessica (Rob) Whitfield and Jessica Cobb; five grandsons, Stephan (Tonya) Cobb, Joseph (Meosha) Bett, Antoine Travis, Darrell (Biddie) Anderson, Kelsey (Tiffany) Mobley; 16 great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Arie Cobb; brother, Willie (Wilbie) Cobb; sisters-in-law, Nazarine Cobb, Anita Cobb and Sammie Long; devoted friend and caregiver, Essie Lanier; numerous nieces and nephews including specials, Renita Cobb and Elaine Eggleston; many devoted cousins, especially Constance Mullins, Mary and Anthony Napier and Percy Cal; cherished church family; other relatives and dear friends.
The memorial service for HUSTON COBB will be held Saturday, August 19, 2023 at noon at the Cox Blvd. Church of Christ, 303 Cox Blvd., Sheffield, Alabama . In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cobb Family Cemetery, 12080 2nd Street, Leighton, Alabama 35646.
