Funeral services for Guy Duane Cobern, age 63, of Fayetteville, TN, will be held at 5:00 PM on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Higgins Funeral Home. The family will receive friends for visitation on Saturday from 3:00 PM until the hour of service.
Guy was born on September 29, 1962, in Fayetteville, NC, to the late Jerry Lee and Jane Ellen Forsythe Cobern. His father, Jerry, was his absolute hero, shaping the man Guy would become. For many years, Guy made his living on the open road as a dedicated long-haul and local truck driver. In his younger years, he found great joy in coaching youth baseball, where he was affectionately dubbed “Coach Gut.” Guy was an exceptional husband, father, and grandfather who centered his life around his family. He was an avid golfer, loved trips to the lake and the beach, possessed a legendary sweet tooth, and was widely considered the best pinochle player around. On game days, he could always be found cheering on the Tennessee Vols and the Denver Broncos.
Guy was blessed to spend the last two years happily married to his wife, Tracy. Though their time together was far too short, they shared a wonderful marriage and loved each other more than words can say. Known for his selfless nature, Guy constantly put others before himself and could always be counted on for wise advice. He had a playful spirit and loved to harmlessly tease anyone with whom he crossed paths. From his ballplayers to local waitresses and mechanics, he relished the fun of a witty back-and-forth. Guy never met a stranger, was an excellent karaoke singer, loved to dance, and truly lived his life to the absolute fullest. In keeping with his generous heart and desire to help others, Guy became a hero in his own right by giving the ultimate gift of life as an organ donor. Guy passed away on June 26, 2026, at HH Lincoln Health in Fayetteville, TN.
Survivors include his wife, Tracy Norwood Cobern; children, Heather (John) Smith, Jerry (Hanna) Cobern, and Billy (Hannah) Cobern; step-children, Mackenzie (Phillip) Hall and Eric (Meagan) Atchley; grandchildren, William and Sophia Smith, Ella, Easton, and Eli Smith, Jackson Cobern, Laylah and Caroline Cobern, Easton, Brylee, Delainey, and Carli Atchley, Braden Hall, and Tate Mullins; sisters, Wendy Cooney and Amy Brown; and nephews, Garrett Cobern, Michael and Riley Cooney; his special family friend, Doug Landers; and his many fur babies. In addition to his parents, Guy was preceded in death by his brother, Todd Cobern; nephews, Brandon Cobern and Auburn Jennings; niece, Courtney Souders; and his beloved fur baby, Molly.
Memorial donations may be made to American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.
Higgins Funeral Home is privileged to offer comfort, care, and support to the family of Guy Duane Cobern.
Guy was a second dad to me and was ALWAYS there for me when I needed anything or a place to stay for the night (or weekend) . His house was only a few that I could just walk in the front door without knocking and feel no awkwardness. He was truly a great dad to his family and I will always remember him as a great man.
They were sweet little boys that lived across from me on Terry Heights ( Lowell Drive). They played with my grandson Steven Anderson and they were pretty close back then. So sorry to hear about Guy’s passing. We will have you all in my prayers in the days ahead. God bless you all
So Sorry Tracy and to the Family and to the Grandchildren Prayers of Comfort and Peace My Heart goes Out To All Of You Look To The Lord Jesus Christ He Will Give You Comfort
Heather, so sorry to learn of your Father’s passing. I will be praying for you and family. Love you.
Tracie: So sorry for your loss of your dear husband. You could tell the love between you two. May God put His loving arms around you & the families during this very difficult time.
Prayers for you my friend 🙏❤️
You will be missed, guy. Your family was always special to me. Your younger brother and I had many amazing times running around Bloomington and the inland empire
I’ll never forget.
As Todd Lee and I were getting older and started to drive. You caught us leaving one night.
And said, make sure todd gets home safe i said, hey, I’m a Big Brother. Also if something happens to Todd that means I didn’t make it home he hesitated for a minute
And said, that’s the best answer I ever heard. Williams.
He said, you now officially have a Big Brother. Call me if you need me.
And from that moment on
Guy treated me like he treated Todd if I needed something he was there. I will miss you, my friend. I love you big brother
We are So Sorry. God Bless the Family and Friends with Comfort and Peace in the Days to Come. ❤️🙏❤️