David Harrison Cobb

David Harrison Cobb, 86, of Springdale, SC, passed away peacefully at home on November 7, 2026. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Martha Starr Cobb, sons Patrick (Merry), David S., Charlie (Lindsay), and a sister, Elizabeth Cobb. He was predeceased by his parents, William L. Cobb and Burnese Cobb, and brothers William A. Cobb and Douglas Cobb.

He was affectionately known as “Big D” to his six grandchildren, Madison (Ben), Harrison (Emma), Allee, Amelia, Kaki, and Branan (Jared). A favorite memory is that he baked, decorated, and cut three grand wedding cakes.

A 1958 graduate of University High School, he obtained a degree in Math Education from the University of South Carolina in 1962. David later earned a Master of Arts (1970) and Education Specialist degrees (1975) from Appalachian State University, taking courses during the summers.

In 1964, he began what would be a 30-year career at Airport High School as a math teacher, driver’s education teacher, and later as the Media Center Specialist. At Airport, he served as the advisor for the Aquila yearbook, was named Teacher of the Year in 1987-88, cheerleader sponsor, and coached the Bowling team, which won the first athletic trophy for the Eagles. Retiring in 1994, he continued to be involved in coordinating athletic ticket sales, serving as a founding member of the Airport High School Education Foundation, and coordinating the SOAR Group (Survivors of Airport – Retired) for many years. He was inducted as a member of the Airport High School Educator Hall of Fame.

An active member of the South Carolina School Librarians Association, he served as president and a board member and later as the part-time executive secretary.

Retirement did not slow him down working for Balfour Company, Koger Center Box Office, making birthday and wedding cakes, Hospice volunteer, and as a poll worker at the Westover Precinct. He and Martha also enjoyed travelling abroad. His Pumpkin Bread recipe was second to none!

A member of Ebenezer Lutheran Church, he was active in the life of the church and served as an office volunteer, counting Sunday offering, running the Sunday bulletin, and making cakes for events.

A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, November 17 at 1 p.m. at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1301 Richland Street, Columbia, South Carolina. The family will receive friends after the service in the fellowship hall. The church will livestream the service on its YouTube channel.

Memorials can be made in memory of David H. Cobb to the Airport High School Education Foundation, Post Office Box 3223, West Columbia, South Carolina, 29171.

The Cobb family appreciates the outpouring of prayers, support, and kind acts as we say goodbye to “Big D,” a beloved husband, dad, grandfather, and friend.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 200 State St., West Columbia, SC 29169, (803) 999-5015.