Obituary for Burl Eugene McCosh, Jr.
Burl Eugene McCosh, Jr., 77, of Marietta, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Emory University Hospital.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 10th from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Darby Funeral Home, and again on Saturday, October 11th from 10:00–11:00 a.m. at Shiloh Hills Baptist Church. A celebration of his life will follow at 11:00 a.m., with Dr. Vic Bledsoe officiating. Interment will take place at Georgia National Cemetery on Friday, October 31st at 10:00 a.m.
Burl was born to Burl Eugene and Ila McCosh and was also lovingly raised by his stepmother, Dot McCosh. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother, and his sister, Rosemary Phelps.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Shelly McCosh of Marietta, GA; daughters Greer (Evan Baker) McCosh of Hoover, AL; Darby (Cody) Fessenden of Acworth, GA; Riley (Chase) Blount of Acworth, GA; and son Bem (Cheryl) McCosh of Houston, TX. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Tom Phelps; niece Mary Susan Roorda; nephews Tom Phelps and Ben Phelps; and nine beloved grandchildren — Theodore Blount, Goldie Blount, Liam Fessenden, Rhys Fessenden, Tatum Baker, Landyn Baker, Maeve McCosh, Emmet McCosh, and Eile McCosh — who lovingly knew him as Pop Pop. His 10th grandhild is due soon.
Burl dedicated more than 30 years to the nuclear power industry, where he traveled to every nuclear power plant in the United States and several countries abroad, assisting with nuclear training programs. His passion for learning and teaching left a lasting mark on his colleagues and the industry as a whole.
Beyond his professional life, Burl lived with purpose and curiosity. He loved to travel the world, explore nature, fish and hunt, and was deeply involved in his community and church. He served faithfully as a Trustee of Shiloh Hills Baptist Church and Chairman of the Board at Shiloh Hills Christian School. He was also an active member of the Christian Writers Guild and the Native Plant Society of Georgia, reflecting his love for both creation and creativity.
Burl will be remembered as a man of faith, integrity, and adventure — a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and trusted friend. His wisdom, humor, and gentle spirit will continue to inspire all who knew him.
"Well done, good and faithful servant." – Matthew 25:23