August 5, 2022, 87, Goldsboro –
Robert Cleveland Cousins, 87, exchanged the embraces of his family for the embrace of his loving Lord on Friday, August 5, 2022. Bob was born in Halifax County, Virginia to the late Willard Victor Cousins, Sr. and Emma Lee Cousins on September 3, 1934.
As a youngster, Bob moved to Goldsboro with his family in 1942 and attended the Goldsboro Public School system, graduating from Goldsboro High School. He went on to attend North Carolina State College to pursue his undergraduate degree.
Bob’s life of work began with A.J. Maxwell’s architectural firm and later with Scarborough Building Supply in Lumberton. While living in Lumberton with his family, Bob was an active member of Chestnut Street United Methodist Church and the Civitan Club.
He then moved back to Goldsboro and started his own firm, Construction and Design Corporation. Bob retired in May, 2010 after a long and successful career. In 1975, Bob recognized the need for personal storage space for the population of Wayne County, so he established and operated the first mini-storage business in Goldsboro, Personal Storage Company.
As a member of St. Luke United Methodist Church, Bob faithfully served his Lord through various ministry positions throughout his years. Active in the community, Bob was a charter member of the Family Y of Goldsboro and a member of the Goldsboro Elks Lodge #139 B.P.O.E.
In Bob’s spare time, he looked forward to teeing off at Lane Tree Golf Club and playing tennis at Goldsboro Country Club. Times in solidarity with nature found Bob riding his bike, sailing, or perhaps his most favorite outdoor activity, bird watching.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall of St. Luke United Methodist Church followed by a service to celebrate Bob’s life at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary with Rev. Karl Grant officiating.
Bob is survived by his wife of 29 years, Linda Arnette Cousins; daughters, Linda Gail Anderson and husband, Walter of New Bern, Cheri Lee Getsinger and husband, Doug of Greenville, and Kaycee “Kay” Elizabeth Cousins of Trent Woods; grandchildren, Jordan Flythe, Laura Ashley Anderson, Jennifer Lee Flynn and husband, Sean, and Sarah Jordan Getsinger; great-grandchild, Sydney Louise Flynn; and was anticipating the birth of another great-grandchild, Maverick Clay Jackson. Bob’s marriage to Linda brought additional loved ones into his family, including her daughters, Katherine Porter Bowman and Lori Willford and husband, Troy; and her grandchildren, Porter Bowman, Cameron White, Preston White and Gavin White. Additionally, Bob is survived by sisters-in-law, Pat Cousins and Frances Cousins; and brother-in-law, Danny Arnette and wife, Alice.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by Shirley Jordan Cousins, his wife of 36 years; grandson, Nikolas Flythe; sister, Beverly Marie Summerlin; and brothers, Willard Victor Cousins and Oscar Merrill Cousins.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be given in Bob’s memory to St. Luke United Methodist Church, 1608 E. Pine Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530 or to Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, NC 27534.
Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
