Steve Cobb, 55, passed away suddenly at home on Sept. 2 in Pensacola, Fla.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra; mother, Lynn Couch; brothers, Mike (Krishna) and Mark (Lydia); and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Cobb was born in Denver, Colo., the youngest of three boys.

His father died while the family was living in Nashville, Tenn. At the age of 13, Cobb came to Jemison to live with his aunt and uncle, Irene and Alton Cobb.

They welcome him into their home with a caring and loving spirit, and he became as their own.

He continued to be a large part of their lives until their demise.

A Jemison High School graduate, Cobb was a very successful athlete, lettering several years in football (quarterback), basketball (guard/forward), and baseball (catcher, batting third or fourth).

After completing college at The University of Montevallo, he worked for several years in various businesses that involved travelling.

He thus began listening to books on tape and was subsequently transformed into a voracious reader.

No subject or genre escaped his inquiry and he truly became broadly educated across many disciplines, thoughtfully considering the meaning and purpose of life from diverse perspectives across the ages.

In pursuit of more personally meaningful work, he returned to school and earned another bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, doctorate degree and MBA at various institutions.

He was thereby able to spend the majority of his career in athletics, coaching in Texas and Iowa, in administration as Athletic Director at Georgia Southwestern and the University of Alaska at Anchorage, and in the classroom.

He met Sandra Carroll while they were both graduate students in Texas.

They married in Paradise, Mont. 22 years ago.

Cobb was a colorful character with charisma, confidence, and an unflinching commitment to excellence.

His extensive knowledge and clever wit ensured no dull moment in his company.

He cared most passionately for the students, athletes, coaches, and staff with whom he felt privileged to serve.

His deep sense of responsibility extended beyond his family to his community, country, and world.

It was not manifested by mere words, but by meaningful choices in the hard work of living.

He loved and was loved.

The Celebration of Cobb’s life was held at Ridout’s Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham on Sept. 6 at 2 p.m. with visitation and reception to follow at Ridout’s Southern Heritage.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Reading is Fundamental at http://www.rif.org/us/donate/ways-to-give.htm or to Little League International at http://www.littleleague.org/learn/about/donations.htm.