Elmer James Cocke

1924 - 2025

Elmer James Cocke, age 101, of Gretna, Virginia, passed away peacefully, September 19th, 2025, at Gretna Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was born April 7th, 1924, the son of the late Giles O. Cocke and Toy Owen Cocke.

Elmer married the love of his life, Hilda Blanche Keesee, on December 24th 1943. He and Hilda and their five children attended the First Baptist Church in Gretna, Virginia.

Elmer was a veteran having served in World War II and was the recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal for his service. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge 258 A.F. and A.M. in Gretna, where he served as past Master; a member of American Legion Post 232 and the NRA. Elmer and Hilda enjoyed traveling, visiting forty-nine of the fifty states. He was a devoted Atlanta Braves and NASCAR fan. An avid hunter, he could be found climbing in deer stands even at the age of ninety-seven. Elmer retired from Allis-Chalmers after a successful career in sales and management. Prior to that he had been part-owner of Gretna Tractor and Implement Company. His farm and the love of the land provided priceless memories for him.

Elmer is survived by his sons, Dr. Stan T. Cocke and his wife, Sue, of Danville, Gary G. Cocke and his wife, Cindy, of Mansfield, Texas, daughters Donna C. Duncan of Orangeburg, South Carolina, Debra C. Mellon, of Irmo, South Carolina. and daughter-in-law, Jan Cocke of Orangeburg, South Carolina. He is survived by fifteen grandchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren.

Elmer was predeceased by his wife, Hilda Keesee Cocke, his son, Michael J. Cocke, his sisters, Gladys C. Blair, Adylene C. Shelton; his brother, Gordon Cocke and sons-in-law, Hilton Duncan, and Robert Mellon.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at the Colbert-Moran Funeral Home Chapel, Gretna, VA at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend R.G. Rowland officiating, Interment will follow in Gretna Burial Park where the Masonic rites will be given by the Anderson Lodge 258 A.F. and A.M. and burial with military honors will be given by American Legion Altavista Post 36 and Gretna Post 232 .

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Colbert-Moran Funeral Home and at other times at the residence of his son and daughter-in-law, Stan and Sue Cocke.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to consider a memorial gift to the Gretna Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 14, Gretna, VA 24557 or to the charity of your choice.

The family wishes to thank the Gretna Health and Rehabilitation Center Staff, for the kindness and compassion shown to our Father during his stay.

Colbert-Moran Funeral Home is assisting the family and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.colbertmoran.com.