Gilmer Dewitt Cockrell, 91, of 165 Calhoun Dr., Stony Point, passed away Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at Maple Leaf Healthcare. He was born May 5, 1917 in Alexander County, to the late Davis “DM” Cockrell and Mable Alice Chamberlain Cockrell. He was an inactive deacon and charter member of Temple Baptist Church. He was also an avid Braves fan.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Lena Martin Cockrell; three brothers, Everette Cockrell, Parks Cockrell and Dewey Cockrell; five sisters, Jessie Harris, Katherine Comer, Rita Belle Norton, Hilda Jean Cockrell and Lucy Cockrell.
He is survived by one son, Billy C. Cockrell, Sr. and wife Virginia of Greensboro; two brothers, Ernest Cockrell of Statesville and Jimmy Cockrell and wife Lucille of Pasadena, TX.; sisters, Minnie Mae Sims and husband Harold of Deer Park, TX.; grandson, Curt Cockrell of Greensboro; and a number of nephews and nieces.
Funeral services will be conducted Friday March 27, 2009 at 3:00pm at Temple Baptist Church. Rev. Jason Payne will be officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 2:00-3:00pm at the church.
Memorials may be given to Temple Baptist Church, 105 Temple Drive, Stony Point, NC 28678 or Iredell County Hospice, 2347 Simonton Rd., Statesville, NC 28625
Condolences may be e-mailed to the Cockrell family by clicking on the link below. Chapman Funeral Home is assisting the family of
Gilmer Cockrell.
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Dearest Bill,Virginia, Curt and other family members,
I am sorry that we have lost Gilmer, but he did live a long life-and what a life! He was a good man. I have fond memories of him from my childhood. He would take me and my little sister Jenna for an ice cream or some kind of treat. He was always teasing me, telling me stories or giving me bouncing rides on his knees. I can still hear him laugh and see him smile. Great memories! He's in Heaven now. No doubt having a great reunion with Lena and the rest of his family and friends. He will be missed but remembered.
Take care.
Love, Cousin Patty Davis with husband Glen and son Kevin
Richland, WA
To all my family members, my deepest sympathies. As some of u may remember me, my grandparents (Rita Belle and Tom Norton) raised me, I remember "uncle" Gilmer very well. He always had a smile on his face and was so wonderful to be around, he always made me laugh. I, unfortuantely did know of his passing in time to attend. I do know tho, that he is in heaven with our Lord, and maw and paw, along with other of our family members, where they are all happy, content, and in the most glorious presence of our Lord, who, by the way, is very happy to have him Home. Please know that I will pray for you all in your sadness of our loss. May God be with you all and help heal your hearts as, I know just how they ache right now.
Lots of love to you all, Love, Dawn Levan - Claremont, NC
Bill, Virginia, Curt:
We are sorry to hear about your loss. May you find comfort knowing that he is now at peace.Keeping you close in our thoughts and prayers.
Bruce, Teresa and Michelle - Greensboro, NC
Bill and Virginia,
You are so much in our thoughts and prayers. Your dad died on the anniversary of George Shaw. God bless you and grant you HIS peace and comfort.
Love in Jesus Name, Mike and Shirley - Greensboro, NC
Bill,Virgina & Curt,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Take comfort that though he has left us here, he has entered his eternal rest with the Father. If you guys should need anything at all, please feel free to call on us. we would be honored. We are keeping you in our prayers.
Blessings, Jeff, Pam & Ashley Elliott - Greensboro, NC
DEAR BILL, VIRGINIA AND CURT,
YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS. GILMER WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON AND WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. WE WISH WE COULD BE WITH YOU DURING THIS TIME OF SORROW. YOU REMAIN IN OUR HEARTS.
LOVE, PAM & NORMAN - Myrtle Beach, SC
