Burnett Cobbs peacefully passed surrounded by the comfort of God and the love of family on September 4, 2024, at Norfolk General Hospital. That day he received his heavenly truck route: a route where pain is obsolete, peace is everlasting, and loved ones are reunited!
He was entering this world on Thursday, February 24, 1949, to the late James Cobb Sr. and Catherine Cobb in Norfolk, VA. His birth certificate contained a typographic error, of an “s” on his last name, which became one of his unique identifiers.
A proud product of Norfolk Public Schools and lover of math, graduating from Ruffner Jr. High in 1964 and Booker T. Washington High “The Factory” in 1967. After high school, he planned to enlist in the military but was drafted into the Vietnam War in 1967. As a result, he completed Marine Corps “Semper Fi” basic training and supply school in the latter half of 1967 at Parris Island, SC, and Camp Lejeune, NC. In the Vietnam War, he served as a cook and provided other support needs. Upon return to Norfolk, he completed a Bachelor of Science at Norfolk State College “Behold” in May 1975.
His post military career spanned from restaurant management to truck driving, which led to his retirement from Sysco Foods around 2010, but after retirement, he drove for Givens Trucking. He was a very prompt and responsible driver, with routes throughout Virginia and North Carolina. All those he encountered remembered him for his dedication, laughter, and smile. He never needed a GPS, only a map or his memory!
In his lifetime, he enjoyed various interests and hobbies. For instance, he relished in family gatherings, history, fellowship, running, roller skating (College Park and Greenbrier), comics, Pittsburgh Steelers, moviegoing specifically comedy/action/fantasy, kung-fu flicks with Bruce Lee, pro-wrestling, Law and Order, westerns, comedy sitcoms, birthdays, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and sunshades, which earned him the name “Hollywood”.
As a believer in Jesus Christ’s love and forgiveness of our transgressions. He became a born-again Christian in the late nineties, at Community Chapel Methodist Church in Portsmouth, VA where his aunt Rev. Grace Lang was the pastor. There he cherished God’s word, served well and loved every member, and eventually earned the distinction of deacon in 2007. Sometime later, he became a member of First Baptist Church Lambert’s (FBLP), so he could worship with his wife, Sandra. His church families brought him joy, and he constantly talked about how various members impacted his walk with Christ. He truly looked forward to participating in the security detail, men’s ministry, bible study, church festivities, Sunday School, and worship services. In addition, he eagerly shared God’s love with the sick, shut-in, and anyone who wanted to discuss the goodness of God!
Burnett was preceded in death by five of his siblings: Samuel, Shirley, Raymond, James Jr. (Ann), and Mattie “Lee” Cobb all of Norfolk, VA. To cherish his memories, he leaves his wife Sandra L. Cobbs of 47 years; one daughter Tracy Cobbs Beckford; four bonus children Phyllis Johnson (Dewayne Sr.) of MD, Gerald Costen Jr., Paula Costen, and Sheryl Hunt (Byron); eight grandchildren Kayla, Phylicia, Brianna, Dewayne Jr., Brandon, Christopher, Collin, and Laila; four great grandchildren Lydia, Amir, Tommy, and Rose; one brother Lawrence of Norfolk; a host of dear nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, other relatives, and friends.
Condolence(1)-
TEENA MARIE says
September 7, 2024 at 10:13 pmBro Cobb was a nice , kind gentleman. Goin to miss my friend. We worshiped at Community Chapel in Portsmouth. GOD will welcome his kind soul.