Superior court judge to retire after 25 years

WILMINGTON, NC (News Release) — A superior court judge in the Cape Fear area is retiring after more than 25 years on the bench.

Senior Resident Superior Court Judge W. Allen Cobb, Jr. made the announcement Monday in a news release. He said his resignation is effective August 21.

First elected a district court judge in 1990, Judge Cobb was appointed to the superior court bench in 1993, according to the release. After he was elected to that position in 1994, Judge Cobb was re-elected in 2002 and 2010.

“It has been an honor to serve the citizens of North Carolina,” Judge Cobb wrote in the letter to the governor about his retirement. “I owe great thanks to the voters in New Hanover and Pender counties for reposing their trust in me in four successive elections. I have been privileged to work with many highly qualified and talented judicial colleagues. But the real pleasure I have enjoyed is working with my superb, dedicated court staff. We have worked hard, and by all measures the quality and efficiency of administering the courts in our district has improved.”

Judge Cobb said he wants to explore other professional opportunities, and spend more time with family.

In the release, Judge Cobb said he is the longest-serving elected judge in the history of the Fifth District.