William Hobbie Cosby

1926 - 2013

William "Hobbie" Cosby of Pensacola, Fla., succumbed to his battle with cancer on May 29, 2013, when he joined his Heavenly Father in eternal rest. He was 87.

Hobbie personified the role of devoted husband and, though never having children of his own, served as a loving and supportive uncle to his nieces and nephews, and as a father and grandfather to the daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren of his wife, Lois. Hobbie brought a remarkable sense of optimism, joy and happiness to all that he did and to all of those he encountered. Without hesitation, he stepped in to become the patriarch to a loving family who will cherish him and his memory indefinitely.

Hobbie was born in Montgomery County, Ala., on January 19, 1926. Upon graduation from high school, he was drafted into the United States Army Air Corps and served as CFC on the B-29. He arrived in Manila just as World War II ended and, before he was even of age to vote, he was a First Sergeant of the 12th Air Division. Upon his discharge from military service, he enrolled in Samford University and earned his degree in Economics. After owning his own insurance agency, he worked in accounting for Monsanto until his retirement. He was an active member of the Perdido Key Rotary Club.

Hobbie is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Lois Hetherington Cosby, daughter Linda Pearson (Bob), grandsons Mark Pearson (Julie) and Todd Pearson (Christi), seven great grandchildren and his Boston Terrier Charley. He shared a very special relationship, like that of a father and grandfather, to Adrian Hammond Jr. (Rita), Elaine Hammond Wells (Ron) and Adriana Wells. He was affectionately known by many nieces and nephews as "Uncle Hobbie." He will be greatly missed by countless other special family members and friends including Carla Waters (Bill), Brett Cosby and Bruce Cosby (Jem). Hobbie is also survived by his brother, Hayward Cosby (June) and was preceded in death by his brother, Pryor Cosby.

Hobbie was a member of Gateway Church of Christ. His funeral service will be held at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel on Saturday, June 1, 2013 at 3pm, with visitation one hour prior. Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Dr. Frank Buchanan and Chad Hammond will preside over the funeral. Pallbearers are Mark Pearson, Todd Pearson, Wade Pearson, Brandon Pearson, Chad Hammond, Jonathan Wells and Blake Hammond.