Charles Cobb

Mr. Charles Richard Cobb, Jr. was born to the late Bishop Charles Richard Cobb, Sr. and the late Emma Baldwin Cobb in San Antonio, Texas, on July 7, 1951. As his faith evolved, he confessed his love for Christ at an early age and grew up in a Christian family. He joined the ranks of the immortal on May 29, 2025.

Educated in the public schools of Crisp and Dougherty counties, Charles graduated in 1969 from Albany High School which he helped to integrate. He pursued the Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. After spending a summer in France with Nadia Boulanger, he then matriculated at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and earned the Master of Music degree. He chose the tuba as his major instrument.  He continued to research and study African-American folk music and in 1984 furthered his education in music theory in the Michigan State University’s doctoral program. He remained a music enthusiast throughout his life.

After serving in various capacities, Charles eventually became an assistant director of the marching band, director of the wind ensemble, and instructor at South Carolina State University. He relocated to Albany, Georgia, after marrying his high school sweetheart, Rhonda Dent, in 1987. They were blessed with one daughter, Carey Charlese, whose life Charles filled with boundless love and care. Charlese was a most important part of his life. A short time ago, Charles became a grandfather.

Initially, Charles was employed as an elementary music teacher in Americus, Georgia. His next teaching assignment was in Albany, Georgia, where he worked as Music Specialist at Radium Springs Elementary School and Jackson Heights Elementary School. He used his musical expertise to impact the lives of numerous students.  He retired from the Dougherty County School System in 2016 after he had served 28 years of dedicated educational service in Georgia.

Charles was a member of the Georgia Association of Educators and the Georgia Music Educators Association. In addition, he cherished his affiliation with the Ritz Cultural Center as well as the Cutliff Grove Baptist Church Summer Enrichment Program. He enjoyed reading, planning music events, listening to music, playing tuba, collecting memorabilia and personal keepsakes, traveling and communicating with friends. Blessed with the heart of a servant, he enjoyed assisting his family and friends, especially during difficult times, and sharing whatever he had.

At Peachtree Memory Care in Vinings, Georgia, he made a quiet transition from his earthly journey of life into eternal rest and everlasting peace. The family gives special thanks to the staff at Enrich @ 519–Senior Living, Peachtree Memory Care, and Georgia Community Hospice for services rendered by their kind and supportive caregivers in safe and hospitable surroundings.

Left to cherish his memory are a wife, Rhonda Dent Cobb of Albany, Georgia; a daughter, Carey Charlese Newsome (Christian) and a granddaughter, Natalie Newsome, all of Brookhaven, Georgia; three sisters, LuChrista C. Sibley of Marietta, Georgia, Consiwilla C. Cullers of Decatur, Georgia and Yvonne C. Haugabook of Perry, Georgia; a mother-in-law, Carey Dent of Albany, Georgia; a sister-in-law, Marva Laury of Tucker, Georgia; a stepbrother, Joe Snead of Albany, Georgia; and nieces, nephews, other dear family members, neighbors and friends.

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