WILMINGTON — William Leslie “Bill” Cobb, 82, of Wilmington, North Carolina, died on July 6, 2025, at his home.
Born July 11, 1942, in Kingsport, Tennessee, to Leslie Lewis Cobb and Helen Virginia Nall, Bill was preceded in death by his brother, John Charles Cobb, and his wife, Sandra Rae White.
Shortly after his birth, Bill’s family moved to Asheville, North Carolina, where he found his footing and met many lifelong friends, including Ward Hendon and Steve Bitter. In those early years he got up to a variety of hijinks—stories that became family legend and were retold with ever-increasing gusto.
Bill graduated from Christ School and Florida Presbyterian College (now Eckerd College). He went on to a distinguished career in human resources with several companies, including Scientific Atlanta and The Vinnell Corporation.
Mid-career, Bill took a sabbatical to work in the film industry. During that time he fell in love with Wilmington and life at the beach, to which he returned in retirement. He proudly appeared in a couple of Stephen King feature films, including a role as an extra alongside Drew Barrymore in Firestarter.
We will remember Bill for his joy, playful spirit, and consistency. He showed up for his friends and family—never missing a birthday or holiday and always finding a way to make those around him feel loved.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Kenan Memorial Garden in Landfall, followed by a reception at the Country Club of Landfall.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Bill Cobb to The Landfall Foundation, 1924 Pembroke Jones Drive, Wilmington, NC 28405.
