Terry Don Cobb, a respected coach and teacher at Port Neches - Groves Independent School District, passed away on February 20, 2025, in Port Neches, Texas. Born on January 16, 1941, in Alexandria, Louisiana, he lived a life dedicated to nurturing the minds and spirits of the young people he encountered.
Terry was not only a pillar in the educational community but also an esteemed member of The Temple, T.H.S.C.A, and a lifelong patron of the Port Arthur YMCA. His love for sports extended beyond the classroom as he actively engaged in adaptive sports for children, championing the cause with fervor and dedication. His spirit was enriched by simple joys such as fishing and the camaraderie that sports can bring.
Coach Cobb was raised in Beaumont, Texas, and graduated from Beaumont High in 1959. He excelled as a three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. Terry was a shortstop and Captain of the 1959 State Championship Royal Purples’ baseball squad, where he hit .388 and was described by one professional baseball scout as the “best shortstop in Texas.” He was honored with the esteemed Don Maxwell trophy for his excellence as an all-around athlete. He then attended Texas A&M and was honored by the Southwest Conference in 1960 after batting .414 during conference play, a record at the time which stood for many years.
Having served his country with honor, Terry was drafted into the Army and made significant contributions during his service in Vietnam, where he held the rank of First Lieutenant and led his own platoon as part of the renowned Big Red 1. In the summer of 1968, Terry survived an ambush by the enemy during the war by demonstrating incredible leadership and courage under pressure. His acts awarded him the prestigious Bronze Star with Valor and were emblematic of his lifelong character. His military service left an indelible mark on his character, shaping him into a leader who would inspire countless others in his later career.
Following his military service, Terry returned from the war to earn both his Bachelors and Masters’ degrees from Lamar University, and then began what amounted to be his lifetime passion: coaching. After serving locally at both Beaumont High and Nederland in both football and baseball, Coach Cobb joined the Port Neches-Groves High School football staff in 1975, assisting them in the capturing a state championship in his initial year. From 1975-2008, Coach Cobb was instrumental in coaching numerous All-District defensive ends while doubling as the head track coach. He participated in coaching in three state football finals and mentored multiple track athletes who achieved state medals, leaving behind a legacy of players he helped shape to this day. He was one of the longest-tenured and most respected assistant football coaches in PNG history, and the PNG school and athletic system was an instrumental and vital portion of his life.
Terry's life was further fulfilled through the love of his family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Charlene Cobb of Port Neches; his sons, Trent Cobb, married to Stephanie, and Collin Cobb, married to Bridgett, both of Port Neches; and his cherished grandchildren, Savannah, Travis, Shaelyn, Caitlyn, and Courtney Cobb. He is also survived by his brothers, Robert Cobb and his wife Ann of League City, and James Bruce Cobb of Hurst; his sisters, Linda Still and her husband Mike of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Patricia Taylor of Glenrose, Texas; along with numerous nieces and nephews who will carry forward his legacy of kindness and mentorship.
Terry was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Glen "Rosie" Cobb and Bertie Lou Beebe Cobb, and brothers Wayne Cobb, Larry Cobb, and Carroll Cobb, whose memories live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.
A visitation will be held on March 1, 2025, at 2:00 PM, followed by a memorial service at 4:00 PM, both taking place at the location of Melancon Levingston Funeral Home, 2001 Nall St, Port Neches, Texas. A reception will be held at The Avenue Axe Event Center, 1126 Port Neches Avenue, Port Neches, Texas following the service beginning at 5:30 p.m.. Family and friends are invited to come together to celebrate the life of a man who not only impacted the lives of many through education and sport but also provided a loving presence within his family. Terry Don Cobb will be missed, but his contributions and spirit will undoubtedly continue to inspire all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family would respectfully request donations to be made to the A.S.K. (Adaptive Sports for Kids) foundation that supports athletics for disabled children and adults. https://adaptivesportsforkids.org/donate/