ROCKINGHAM — Albert Harper Cobb, 88, of Rockingham, died on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020 at his home, which he designed and built on Ledbetter Lake.
Al grew up in Huntersville, earned an Associate degree from Gardner-Webb Junior College and joined the Marines. After Parris Island, he was assigned to Quantico, Virginia. After his two years of service, he began work as a field engineer with Burroughs Corporation, now Unisys, repairing adding machines and bookkeeping machines in school offices and banks. His last years with Unisys were spent servicing computers.
Burroughs sent Al to a territory that included Rockingham in 1958 where he met Polly McDonald at a square dance group. Al and Polly married on Feb. 14, 1959 at Marks Creek Presbyterian Church near Hamlet. In 1961 their marriage was blessed with the birth of their daughter, Pollyanna.
Al and family spent five years in Charlotte from 1961 to 1966 as Unisys Computers grew. Al became an elder in the Thomasboro Presbyterian Church during those five years. Al was made very happy when a computer territory was opened in Rockingham and he was able to move back to this area which he had learned to love. After his return he served as an elder, a deacon, and assistant treasurer of Marks Creek Presbyterian Church. He also served on the Cemetery Committee. Al loved being a handy man for the church.
Al was an active member of the Rockingham Jaycees for many years and continued until his death as a member of Hamlet Post 49 American Legion. He retired from Unisys in 1986 and was able to then spend time in his handy man’s shop and in the house he had built.
Al was a “jack of all trades” but contrary to the saying “and a master of none,” Al was a master carpenter as well as a master of many other trades. He was always willing to share his skills to help others and many people depended on his skill and willingness to help.
His family and friends enjoyed his companionship, his quiet and dry sense of humor. He and Polly enjoyed their time at Ledbetter Lake, boating and hosting events for Hospice, MCPC, class reunions and many family special occasions. They also traveled across the United States several times taking different family members, including at times both of their mothers … a testament to his patience and kindness.
With the men of MCPC through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, he went on relief trips to Pearlington, Mississippi, New Orleans and Houma, Louisiana, Destin and Stenson, Florida, Hope, West Virginia, N.C.’s Outer Banks and Bayboro. Al and Polly were recognized by Charlotte Presbytery with the Legacy Award, which is given to outstanding seniors for their service to the presbytery.
Al was preceded in death by his parents, Albert H. and Norva Hastings Cobb of Huntersville; their daughter, Pollyanna C. Phillips; their infant grandson, Braxton Phillips; his brother, Edwin H. Cobb of Knoxville, Tennessee; his in-law parents, D. Leonard and Alma McDonald; brother-in-law the Rev. Ladd Brearley; and nephew, Stan Norton.
Al is survived by his wife Polly of 61 ½ years; five sisters-in law and three brothers-in law, Barbara Brearley, Linda and Flukie Hawkins, Ginger and Ashleigh Seymour, Cathey and Joe Richardson and Daisy Cobb; two cousins, Fred Hastings (Betty) and Mary Ann (David) Brown; 11 nephews, 12 nieces, 13 great-nieces, five great-nephews, and two great-great-nieces.
A viewing opportunity for church family and other friends without family present is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 4 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Watson-King Funeral Home, at 306 East Franklin St. in Rockingham.
A graveside service will be at noon on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020 at Marks Creek Presbyterian Church, 484 Marks Creek Church Road, off 177 North, Hamlet. Honorary pallbearers are Ladson Brearley, Ben Brearley, Jacob Eubanks, Scott Medlin, Joe Huntley, Fred (Bo) Ford, Jeremy Martin, Garrett Hayes, Ed Ross, Greg Norton, Robert Lovin, Keith Hawkins and Al’s name sake, -Brady Cobb Martin. Please observe the wearing of masks and social distancing.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Marks Creek Presbyterian Church, 484 Marks Creek Church Road, Hamlet, NC 28345; or Richmond County Hospice, 1119 North US 1 Hwy., Rockingham, NC 28379.
Online condolences may be made at www.watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is serving the Cobb family.
