William Ellis Cobb

Rev. Dr. William Ellis Cobb “Bill”, age 87, passed away in the early morning hours of April 12, 2024, at his home in Lexington, TN with his family by his side. Bill's creativity, compassion, fortitude, and courage surely followed him all the days of his life.

Born October 28, 1936 in Allston, Massachusetts, Bill went on to graduate from Norwell High School, class of 1955. From his childhood days spent in reckless abandon trials, Bill always strived to do better, to be better.  Fresh out of high school, he became the sales service manager of American Sandpaper Co. in Rockland where he spent 11 years.  Bill saw glimpses of a world he had never experienced but had imagined. He recalled fond tales of sailing on the company’s yacht, Barbara, traveling the country visiting clients and pitching for the Industrial League softball team. By the time he was 24, he had two beautiful daughters, Tracey and Rebecca.  A doting dad, he was never too busy, never too tired, creating many fond memories for his young family: fishing, sledding, softball, games, and imaginary tales.  

Bill was always a creator, a visionary.  He developed an early passion for writing and poetry to channel the many ideas in his ever-turning mind. He was always working on an invention or experiment; a new idea to improve.  He soon found his calling as an architectural designer, starting his own business in 1972. He worked tirelessly designing many houses and developments on the Cape that still stand today.  Bill was very involved in the community and was recognized for his work of preserving the natural environment of Cape Cod.   

In the early 80’s Bill found that through his own trials and tribulations there was a greater calling, God, a will to do better for others.  He became a student of ministry in 1983. Shortly after, on a blind date, Bill was introduced to the love of his life, Mary.  They were married in 1984, beginning their journey.   

He graduated from Harvard with a Masters of Divinity in 1986.  The following year he was ordained as a minister of the United Church of Christ, enhancing his lifetime commitment to give back and help others through the struggles of their own life path.

Bill and Mary then grew their family with the births of their children William and Mary Elizabeth.  Bill’s devotion to family continued.  He was seen at every sports game, if not coaching he could be heard from the stands, cheering, and refereeing every call.  Family vacations still centered around the beaches of Cape Cod, fishing, and baseball.  

While raising his young family Bill continued to pursue his discovery of ministry, traveling to Jerusalem to be baptized in the Jordan River, and later obtaining a Doctorate of Ministry from Boston University in 1997.  After sharing their compassion with others from Massachusetts to Texas, Bill and Mary finally settled in the hills of Cabot, Vermont where Bill served as pastor of the Cabot United Church. To further serve his community, Bill founded Faith In Action Northern Communities Partnership in 2004.  

Officially retiring from ministry in 2009, he continued directing Faith In Action until his health caught up with him at the age of 81.  His mission is still active today as Neighbors In Action. We are thankful to all the volunteers over the years involved in his countless missions and endeavors. 

Bill is survived by his devoted wife Mary of 39 years, his children, Tracey Powell and husband Willie of Taunton MA, Rebecca Hickman and husband Scott of Lee’s Summit MO, William B. Cobb and wife Katie of Lexington, TN, Mary Elizabeth White and husband Elijah of Corinth, VT, six grandchildren, Victoria Powell and husband Jermaine, Tyler Hickman, Elizabeth Cobb, William Cobb, Dustin White, Clayton White, and one great grandchild, Jermaine Powell Jr.  

We honor his passing by his family’s continued devotion to his life’s work and everlasting peace.  

Bill's funeral service will be held at the Cabot United Church in Cabot, Vermont on Friday, May 10, 2024 at 11:00AM followed by a private family graveside burial on Cabot Plains. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bill’s memory to: Neighbors in Action, PO Box 157, Cabot, VT 05647. Condolences and memories of Bill may be shared with his family at dgfunerals.com.

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