FRANKLIN—Raymond Joseph Cobb, 90, entered the Haven of Rest on Thursday January 27, 2011.

A lifelong resident of Franklin, Raymond was born on October 20, 1920, to Clarence Joseph and Alice Cotton Cobb. He was the youngest of four children.

In his early years, Raymond was an apprentice to his older brother-in-law, Albert Wade, who was a watchmaker, bicycle mechanic and antique furniture refinisher. He was educated in Franklin Schools and was graduated from Hargrave Military Academy.

Raymond was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Army Air Corps from October 20, 1942, until November 21, 1945. He was a member of the Eighth Air Force, 842nd Engineering Squadron, 447th Bomber Group stationed at the Rattlesden, England Bomber Base. Raymond was a sheet metal mechanic, repairing battle damage on the B-17 Flying Fortresses as they returned from missions.

Raymond began work with the United States Post Office in 1949 where he spent 34 years of service as a Rural Letter Carrier. He also worked as Dairy Manager for Colonial Store.

Raymond was a member of Black Creek Baptist Church, a charter member of the Black Creek Burdette Ruritan Club and a 50-year Mason. He was a member of Purdie Masonic Lodge #170, a Past Master of Blackwater Masonic Lodge # 134 and a past District Governor of the 31st Masonic District.

Raymond was a member of the Southampton County Historical Society where he volunteered many hours and conducted museum tours. He was a charter member of the Urquhart-Gillette Camp # 1471, Sons of the Confederate Veterans.

In 2005, Raymond was a recipient of the Cross of Military Service, the most prized award bestowed by the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

Raymond was an accomplished decoy carver and wood worker. His hobbies included gardening, fishing, and he was an avid Duke basketball fan.

Raymond was predeceased by his parents, one sister, Ruth Cobb Wade, and two brothers, Harry Cotton Cobb and Clarence James Cobb.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 60 years, Jessie Tomlin Cobb; his daughter, Celeste Kelly (Pat) of Dothan, Al.; three sons, Keith Cobb (Robin) of Courtland, Tomlin Cobb (Karen) and Kevin Cobb (Becky), all of Windsor; eight grandchildren, Kira Pulliam (Greg), Candice Strickland (Sam), Brandon Cobb (Michelle), Dana Zebrowski (Mike), Lindsay Cobb, Krystle Raiford (Trent), Kacie Kiser (Ben) and Dustin Cobb; two step-grandchildren, Chris and Luke Scott; two great-grandsons, John Pulliam and Michael Strickland; and his beloved dog, Cora.

Visitation will be from 7:00- 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 29, at Wright Funeral Home. A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 30, in the chapel of Wright Funeral Home with the Rev. Greg Kitts and the Rev. Willis Switzer officiating.

Interment, with Masonic Rites and military honors, will follow in Black Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity or organization of your choice. www.wrightfuneralhome.org