Bobby was the second son of Jimmie Cobb and Esther Johnson Cobb who predeceased him. He was also predeceased by brother-in-law, Barry Sullivan and in-laws Tracy Hopper, Sr., and Sara Shaw Hopper.
Bobby is survived by his wife, Debbie Hopper Cobb and son, James Tracy “JT” Cobb of Charlotte; brother, Eddie Cobb (Cynthia) of Mount Holly; sister, Dianne Sullivan of Gastonia, and brother Ronnie Cobb (Dawn) of Hermitage, TN; brother-in-law Tracy Hopper, Jr., (Judi) of Denver; sister-in-law Sheila Hopper McDaniel (Mark) of Lowell. Nieces and nephews who will also miss their fun and generous Uncle Bobby are Shannon Carter (Brian), BJ Sullivan (Lisa), Tia Hill (Clint), Abigail Sullivan, Camille Cobb, Haley Gentry (Tommy), Laney Wilson (Kevin), Jessica Thompson (Matt), Sally Beacham (David), and many grand nieces and nephews.
A Charlotte native, Bobby graduated at the top of his class from Harding High School in 1972. One year after graduating from UNC-Charlotte with a degree in engineering, Bobby married his sweetheart, Debbie Hopper. He and Debbie began their family with the birth of their son, JT in 1981. In the year between college graduation and marriage, Bobby began a distinguished 39-year career with Mecklenburg County Government. During his extensive tenure, he served in multiple leadership capacities in the Environmental Health Air Quality Program and the Health Department where he was Deputy Director until his retirement in 2016. No one was surprised when after two months of retirement, Bobby returned to work as the Interim Health Director in Union County. Upon completion of that role, he served Union as a Public Health Consultant. His most recent duties were as the COVID-19 advisor for county employees. Public Health, people, family and his lovable dog, Petey were among Bobby’s many passions. Bobby served his community through The West Meck Optimist Club acting as the Little League president for several years. He spent many hours volunteering his time raising monies for the Optimist Club’s scholarship fund, which has supported many local high school students with their college education. Always the loving son, he was primary caretaker for both of his aging parents during their final years. He was a true servant leader in all aspects of his life. He never wavered no matter the task he assumed; he was truly one of a kind. The impact of his good deeds will be everlasting.
A celebration of Bobby’s life will take place on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at Durham Memorial Baptist Church, 1601 Toddville Road, Charlotte, NC. Visitation with the family begins at 10 am followed by the celebration service at noon. Committal Service at Forest Lawn West is scheduled at 1:15pm.
The celebration will be streamed live via Dianne Cobb Sullivan’s FaceBook page and will be posted for later viewing on Dianne’s page. Should you attend the service in person, the family asks that you wear a mask and socially distance.
So many people have “Bobby” stories. If you have a story, the family would appreciate you sharing those stories via Bobby’s Dignity Memorial page at www.forestlawnwest.com
Debbie and JT would like to extend a special thank you to our family and friends for the love you have surrounded us with during the last few weeks. Additionally, we thank the doctors and nurses at Atrium Health (Main) ED, Cath Lab, Dickson Heart CCC unit and Sanger Clinic for their care of Bobby and compassion for his family. Memorials to Hospice & Palliative Care of the Charlotte Region or charity of your choice are appreciated.
