News Summary
A Celebration of Life for Lewis Cosby III, a respected figure in the Knoxville community, will take place at the Cherokee Country Club. Cosby, who passed away at 75, is celebrated for his contributions in business and community service, notably in local media development and as an ethics officer. The event will honor his legacy and commitment to improving the community.
Knoxville, Tennessee — A Celebration of Life for Lewis Cosby III, a prominent figure in the Knoxville community, is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Cherokee Country Club. Cosby, who passed away on June 19 at the age of 75, is remembered for his impactful contributions both in business and his commitment to community service.
As a certified public accountant, Lewis Cosby III earned a reputation for excellence, often referred to as having the “Midas touch” in the business realm. He owned multiple Panera Bread franchises across three states, demonstrating not only business acumen but a strong entrepreneurial spirit. This commitment to success extended beyond his personal ventures, as Cosby played a significant role in the development of local media. He was involved in a media partnership that successfully secured a VHF television station license for what is currently known as WVLT-TV Channel 8, which serves as Knoxville’s CBS affiliate.
Cosby’s engagement with the community began as a reader and quickly progressed to a role as a volunteer investigator. In this capacity, he showcased his expertise in accounting, adeptly identifying issues within Knox County’s operations. His commitment to improvement was marked by a desire to expose poor practices and enhance county processes to better serve the community.
Recognized by colleagues as the “hardest working, smartest volunteer,” Cosby’s tireless efforts led to his appointment to the Knoxville-Knox County Public Building Authority. In this role, he served as both the secretary and ethics officer, reflecting his dedication to maintaining high ethical standards within local governance. Notably, he advocated for the establishment of an ethics committee for Knox County, serving both as a sitting member and its chair, further demonstrating his commitment to transparency and integrity in public affairs.
Lewis Cosby III’s legacy is one deeply rooted in his sincere desire to elevate the Knoxville community. His numerous contributions, from his successful business endeavors to his significant civic engagement, have left a lasting impact on the area he loved. Described by his peers as a relentless advocate for better practices, his memory lives on through the positive changes he instigated within Knox County, Tennessee, which he proudly called home.
The upcoming Celebration of Life will provide an opportunity for friends, family, and community members to honor and reflect on the profound legacy left by Lewis Cosby III. Those wishing to attend will gather at the Cherokee Country Club to celebrate a life marked by service, dedication, and a commitment to improving the community for future generations.
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Additional Resources
- Knox TN Today: Gathering for Friends of Lewis Cosby
- Legacy: Lewis Cosby III Obituary
- Knox News: Lawyers Cite Report in UT Fund Dispute
- Wikipedia: Knoxville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tennessee
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
