Robert Wayne Cobbs

On Saturday, June 14, 2014, the God of Our Hope and Salvation called home our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Robert Wayne Cobbs, fondly known as "Bob." He heard the Master's voice and answered His call. He surrendered peacefully and walked into the glorious light of his heavenly Father's love.
Bob was born July 7, 1947 in Radford, Virginia, to the late John H. Cobbs, Sr. and the late Thelma Irene Carter Cobbs. Bob was a "military brat" as they say. He traveled the states with his father, who was also a retired Air Force member.
Bob confessed Christ at the age of 15 and was baptized on December 16, 1962 at Ebenezer Baptist Church by the Reverend James Austin. While stationed at Fort Eustis, VA, Bob became a member of the St. John Baptist Church, Williamsburg, VA where he sang in the senior choir until he was transferred to Patrick Air Force Base, FL in 1983.
Bob retired from the military where his service included four years in the US Marines and the remainder of his 20 years of service in the US Army. Bob served his country during the Vietnam era. He served 3 combat tours in Vietnam and 5 years in Korea, and a tour in Europe. His military training included Airborne, Computer Programming, and Drill Instructor. His numerous awards and decorations include two Bronze Stars with V Devices for valor, four Purple Hearts, five Distinguished Service medals, two Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge and Airborne Wings.
Bob was driven to excel in all his endeavors and pursued his education after joining the military. He received a Bachelor's in Business and a Masters in Guidance and Counseling from Rollins College, Winter Park, FL. He retired from the US Army in 1985 at Patrick AFB, FL. He held several positions in the private sector in the Orlando, FL area after retiring to include Adjunct Professor at the University of Central Florida in the Criminal Justice Department, Vice President of Human Resources for the Center for Drug Free Living, Director of Training for the Department of Juvenile Justice, and served on the Management Staff at the University Behavioral Center. Bob was the President and CEO of Reach Our Enterprises; a training, counseling, and consultant business that he founded in the late 1990's. His most well-known clients were Harris Corporation, Melbourne Fl and McDonald Douglas Corporation, Orlando, FL, where he provided Employee Assistance Counseling.
Bob received numerous request to speak at conferences, multi-cultural symposiums, and as the guest speaker for the University of Central Florida ROTC Leadership Awards Ceremony. He has been requested to speak at workshops for the Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association (FADAA), traveling as far as the Virgin Islands to speak. He was appointed to serve as a member of the Orange County Private Industry Council and most recently served as a volunteer trainer for the Orlando Police Department working for Former Chief, Val Demmings.
After Years of working, Bob decided to retire to a life of leisure, spending most of his time working in the family yard; spending time with the family; taking short camping trips in the RV, and playing with the beloved family pooch, Brandi. Bob loved the family dog and could always be found sleeping with the dog curled up beside him.
Bob was a caring and giving man. He was especially fond of his youngest grandson, Chad who referred to him as "pop-pop." Bob loved to sing and played his guitar for many years. After having a stroke early this year that left his right side with paralysis and his speech and communications center damaged, Bob continued to sing and bring much joy to his family and friends, and caregivers. He loved to tell funny stories and make people smile. His smile could light up a room. We will miss his smile and voice, but will remember how he made us feel. He had made great progress in his rehabilitation process and used every ounce of strength he had to regain movement in his arm and leg. We will be forever grateful to God to allow him to see that he could do anything he put his mind to do. Bob was an inspiration to his family; always encouraging them to do their best.
Bob leaves to cherish his memory his wife of thirty-two years, Joanne Johnson Cobbs; 3 step-sons, Troy A. Johnson, Orlando, FL, Al S. Johnson (Danielle), Cocoa, FL, and J. Wayne Johnson (Alanda), Conover, NC; nine grandsons, Marcus, Al III, Andreas, Adreal, Jalen, Anterius, Brandon, Tyler, and Chad Johnson; one god-son, Justin Henderson; one sister, Dr. Barbara Clark, Denver, CO, 3 brothers, Cecil, James and Michael Cobbs, all of Denver, CO; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, caregivers, and friends.