In Memory of

Class of 1951
Jul 16, 1933 - May 10, 2008

George Clarence Cobler Jr., 74, of Vinton, passed away Saturday, May 10, 2008. He was a native of Roanoke born July 16, 1933, a son of the late George C. Cobler and Anna Bell McDaniel Cobler. Also preceding him in death was a sister, Mary Lee Cobler. Upon graduation from William Byrd High School George began work for Sears Roebuck & Company. He worked in the downtown and Williamson Road stores before helping to open the Valley View store where he retired after 37 years of service to the company as Assistant Manager of Operations. He was an active member of Valley View Wesleyan Methodist Church where he taught Sunday school; was a Life Member and Judge for the National Chrysanthemum Society; and was an avid gardener. He helped build the Native American villages at Explore Park and at Natural Bridge of Virginia. For the last several years he was a Historical Interpreter at Natural Bridge. George was truly a wonderful person who lived his belief of selfless giving to others. Surviving are his wife Judy Dimmette Cobler; son, Dr. Victor W. Sparrow and wife, Hilda, of State College, Pa.; two grandchildren; a brother, Donald C. Cobler and wife, Nora Ann, of Conway, S.C.; a sister, JoAnn Cobler Huffman, of Roanoke; special cousin, Brenda Cobler Earls and husband, Jimmy, of Salem; mother-in-law, Marjorie C. Dimmette; brother-in-law, Joel P. Dimmette Jr. and wife, Yvette, both of Abbeyville, S.C.; several nieces and nephews; and special friends and co-workers at Natural Bridge of Virginia. The funeral service will be held at 12 noon Thursday, May 15, 2008, from the graveside in Evergreen Burial Park with the Rev. Arthur Good officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday, May 14, 2008, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. in the Roanoke Chapel of Lotz Funeral Home.