Thomas "Tommy" H. Cobb

August 23, 1945, was a memorable time in the history of our country. World War II had just ended with the surrender of Japan. The brave men and women who had put their lives on hold were returning home to their joyful families. On August 23, 1945, Isaac Thomas and Redell Gore Cobb contributed to the baby boom era with the birth of a fine baby boy, Thomas Harold Cobb. Tommy was a lucky guy, his elementary school was a hop, skip and a jump from home and family friends operated a small grocery store next door to his house. Running to the store was not just an expression, it was reality. Tommy's high school years were wonderful for him. He loved sports of any kind and would letter in football, baseball, and basketball. He had the body built for football, the height for basketball and the agility of mind and body to make him successful in baseball. As much as he loved other sports, Tommy's favorite would be baseball. Tommy was a naturally gregarious person and friendships came easily for him. If you were a friend, he invested time and emotion in that friendship. If he saw you often or if he saw you "once in a blue moon", he could pick up right where he left off in his last encounter. His school years were preparatory for life in the real world. Learning from textbooks is a necessary part of our education, but just as important were the social skills and team-building skills that would carry him through life and make him successful in all his pursuits. After graduation Tommy served in the US Army and was honorably discharged in 1968. His service will be recognized by the appropriate military honors at his memorial service. Tommy became smitten by a lovely young lady who also attended Newnan High School. For the next 55 years, they would share the joys of a young love that burned as brightly as ever until the moment that God told him he had earned his rest. Tommy faced his final illness with a fierce determination to do everything possible to fight the foe that raged within his battered body. Sharlon was the mother lioness leading the charge. He approached his athletics that way and cancer was a formidable and insurmountable foe this last year. The bravest thing a person can do is to take stock of one's life and the issues that drive them at any given time. As much as he loved life and the treasures he called family, Tommy came to realize that his battle was not going to end as he had hoped and prayed that it would. He heard the call of his God and knew he must heed that call. Tommy, as a good man and father, felt that his life should be lived in a manner to be a good example for his friends and family. Likewise, he also felt a responsibility to be that person who did not see death as a final event of existence. His only desire was to bring finality to his life in a dignified manner with an eye to the new life that would lie ahead. As peaceful as the newborn baby he was 78 years ago, Tommy's family gathered around him on Wednesday night and supported him as he answered the call of the God he had served in every facet of his life. Tommy wore different hats in his time on this earth. For Georgia Power and the State of Georgia, he was a safety engineer, and it was his job to make everyone's workplace a safe environment. For all his high school buddies, he was a scratch golfer who was always up for a round or two. He could regale everyone for hours on end talking about his "Dawgs". At home he was dad, granddad, and all the mushy words that wives like Sharlon use to describe their man. Last, but not least, he was the quintessential gardener extraordinaire. Put a shovel in his hand and fill up the gas tank on the lawn mower because he was a man on mission in his yard. For all his bravura, Tommy had a very soft side that found beauty in nature and cultivated his surroundings as a peaceful respite from the cares of the world. Tommy was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sharlon Bradley Cobb. He revered his children Michael Cobb and his wife Nancy, and Saundra Cobb Bowie. One of his favorite hats to wear was that of a doting grandfather to Bradley Keith Cobb, Elizabeth Nicole Cobb and Bryce Patrick Bowie. Tommy's family and friends will gather at McKoon Funeral Home on Saturday, November 18, 2023, for an opportunity to recall the life of this good man. Friends will be received beginning at 10:00 AM. The memorial service will be at 11:00 AM in McKoon chapel and will be led by Chip Gordon. There will be stories told (some of which may be true), good times recalled, and songs to be sung. While Tommy and Sharlon loved God's gift of flowers in this world, please consider instead, a gift in his memory to RiverLife, an organization that seeks opportunities to help older citizens in need of ways to make their homes more accessible as their health needs warrant. Please visit their website www.livethriverlife.com and support this worthwhile endeavor. Online condolences may be expressed at www.mckoon.com. McKoon Funeral Home and Crematory 770-253-4580.

Thomas "Tommy" H. Cobb

August 23, 1945 - November 8, 2023