At the funeral of Gary Cobb, Will Graham, of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, delivered a heartfelt tribute, reflecting on the profound impact Gary had on many lives, including his own family.
“He helped not only me and my dad, but he helped my grandfather as well,” Will shared. “Just a great friend, a great colleague—a man that we’re going to miss.” He then pointed out a painting displayed at the service, noting Gary's passion for art and his love for Carmel, California.
Will reminisced about a mutual friend of Gary's, Graeme Blaiklock from Australia, who had shared a meaningful passage with him years ago. He quoted from Revelation 21, describing the breathtaking construction of the New Jerusalem: “The construction of the wall was of Jasper; the city was pure gold, like clear glass. The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel.” Will highlighted the vibrant colors of the precious stones mentioned, suggesting that Gary, with his fondness for opals, would appreciate their beauty.
“Gary is looking at these gates right now,” Will remarked, imagining him marveling at the splendor of heaven. “I don’t think he’ll be painting Carmel-by-the-Sea anymore. He’s probably dumbfounded by the beauty around him.”
He continued with a reflection from Revelation 4:2, where John speaks of a throne in heaven, surrounded by a rainbow like emerald. “What Gary sees now is far more beautiful than anything he’s ever experienced,” Will said, emphasizing the majesty of God’s throne.
Will concluded with powerful words from King David: “Don’t you realize that a great commander has fallen today in Israel?” He honored Gary as a remarkable field general in faith, thanking the Cobb family for sharing him with the world. “We lost a great field general,” he proclaimed. “Today, we say goodbye to the greatest general the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has ever had.”
In a heartfelt prayer, Will thanked God for Gary’s life, recalling how he came to Christ through his brother. “We rejoice even through our tears,” he prayed, acknowledging the pain of loss but celebrating Gary’s fulfillment of his longing to be in heaven. He prayed for the Cobb family, asking for healing and comfort, and expressed gratitude for the lasting impact Gary had on so many lives.
“Lord, raise up another Gary,” he concluded. “In Jesus’ name, amen.”
In this moment of remembrance, the legacy of Gary Cobb was celebrated—a life dedicated to faith, love, and service, inspiring all who knew him.
Painting was a gift from Gary Cobb to Graeme Blaiklock.
