Roy Edward Cogdill | |
1907-1985 |
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Obituary For Roy E. Cogdill | |
Roy Edward Cogdill was born 24 April 1907 in Hobart Oklahoma. He died on 13 May 1985, being 78 years & 21 days in age. He is survived by his wife Venita; four children-Martha Nell Davis, Pamela Ann Northcutt, John Mark and Phillip Roy Cogdill; two sisters -- Ida Terral and Ethel Randolph; eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. His funeral was conducted Wednesday, 14 May 1985, in the building of the Fry Road congregation in Houston, Texas. After a group sang "Others," the obituary was read by Harold Fite, the local evangelist. This was followed by the singing of "Walk Beside Me," an old favorite of brother Cogdill. His mother frequently sang it when brother Cogdill was growing up. Brother Clinton Hamilton, from Florida, made several personal remarks about brother Cogdill's fife. He met brother Cogdill while attending Freed-Hardeman College when brother Cogdill, who was then about 35 years old, spoke on campus. They had remained close friends for 43 years Brother Hamilton related that he had asked his wife Margaret what brother Cogdill's most outstanding character trait was. She emphasized that he was a cuing person who was tender in his emotions toward people. Brother Hamilton commented that though many have seen him as a man who would not compromise the word of truth, most were unaware of how tender brother Cogdill was. Brother Hamilton also commented on brother Cogdill's sermon delivery. His legal background enabled him to logically analyze the Scriptures and deal with the overall problem under discussion. His sermons contained spiritual meat and had power. He recalled especially his sermon on "The Trial of Jesus." Brother Cogdill's sacrificial living was also mentioned., He sacrificed a successful law practice to be a gospel preacher. He gave of his personal possessions for the cause of Christ. He and his family made many sacrifices of time and personal comforts in order that the gospel might be preached. Trying to constrain his emotions, brother Hamilton closed by saying, "It was good that he was here." Brother Glenn Tomblin lead the congregation in singing "There Is A God." Then, brother James Yates paid his final respects to brother Cogdill. He emphasized that brother Cogdill was such a good preacher because of his strong conscience, determination, natural ability, his mastery of the English language, and his faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. He commented that brother Cogdill loved and served the brethren, being willing to involve himself in any battle in which brethren had problems which needed to be solved. He compared brother Cogdill to a lion where the truth of God's word was at stake and then to a teddy bear when dealing with people. He emphasized that brother Cogdill had presented his life for the service of God. "He was not without his faults. He was a man whose faults were overlooked by those who loved him and exaggerated by those who did not," brother Yates said. Speaking of their close personal friendship, brother Yates' voice began to break. He was visibly touched by the loss of a close friend. The congregation was lead in prayer and in the singing.. of "Precious Memories." Then brother James W. Adams delivered a lesson based on 2 Timothy 4:1-8. He concentrated on the three figures of speech used in verses 6-8 to describe brother Cogdill:
Brother Adams pointed the family to the hope of the gospel—the hope of the resurrection of the body and the glorious entrance into the eternal kingdom where one can forever dwell in the presence of God. He reminded us, "I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me" (2 Sam. 12:23). After brother Adams concluded his remarks, brother Yates thanked those who came to the funeral, on behalf of the family, for their many kindnesses. As the people viewed the body of brother Cogdill for the last time, the group of singers comforted those in attendance by singing "Sun Of My Soul," "Blest Be The Tie," and several other familiar hymns. Following the Houston service, brother Cogdill's body was taken to Hobart, Oklahoma, the place of his birth, for interment on Thursday, 16 May 1985. Along with the family, brethren Fite, Yates, and Adams made the trip to Oklahoma for the service. The Guardian of Truth is making arrangements for a special issue in loving memory and honor of brother Cogdill whose influence for good can be accurately measured only by God. Many of us have benefitted from his books The New Testament Church and Walking By Faith. We owe a debt to brother Cogdill, and many other preachers like him, who have passed down to us the gospel of Christ without addition or deletion. Because of this, we intend a future issue to be in his memory as soon as preparations can be completed. |
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-Guardian of Truth Vol.29, Issue 11, pages 328-329, June 6, 1985 |
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Directions To The Grave of Roy E. Cogdill | |
West of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on I-40, go to Clinton and take Exit #66/Hwy.183 and head south 45 miles south to the city of Hobart. There on Hwy 183 you will see the Rose Cemetery. Take the last entrance and head in go until just before the third crossroad and you will see the Codill grave on your right.
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GPS Location 35.023214,-99.062455 View Larger Map |
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Photos Taken February, 2012
Courtesy of Scott Harp www.TheRestorationMovement.com Web editor note: In February, 2012, it was my privilege to visit the grave of Roy E. Cogdill. I was invited to take part in the annual Affirming The Faith Lectureship in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Getting into the area early, I was afforded the opportunity to put about 2000 miles on a rental car in order to locate graves of gospel preachers and church leaders of yesteryear in a wide area. My second day I was able to visit the grave of Roy E. Cogdill. |
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