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J. Harwood Cochrane
1912 - 2016
J. Harwood Cochrane
1912 - 2016
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J. Cochrane Obituary
He was a wonderful "Papa" to eight grandchildren, Emily Louise "Amy" Gilman Remke (Chris), Wilba Pettus Gilman, Jr. (Kathy), James Christopher Gilman (Renée), Anne Gail Gilman Jennings (Gary), Suzanne Lucretia Austell, Elizabeth Heather Austell McKenney (deceased), Jennifer Giles Austell, Anna Knibb Austell Hogan (Arthur) and fifteen great-grandchildren.
Mr. Cochrane was born in Goochland County, VA, on November 16, 1912, the sixth of seven children born to John Minor Cochrane and Wilentina Knibb. His father died when Harwood was sixteen, shortly after they had moved to Richmond. His first full-time job was driving a horse drawn wagon, delivering milk for Virginia Dairy. About four years later he started driving trucks with his brother, Calvin Cochrane.
In 1935, Mr. Cochrane founded Overnite Transportation and remained at the helm for more than 50 years. Through determination and frugality, he charted the course for a successful truck line. He popularized "Less Than Truckload" hauling and standardized equipment across his fleet, both of which gave him a competitive edge in a rapidly expanding market. While deregulation crippled and eliminated many trucking competitors, Overnite thrived. By 1982, Overnite offered coast-to-coast coverage and ran some of the first twin trailers out West. Union Pacific purchased Overnite in 1986 for $1.2 billion, the largest amount ever paid for a trucking company. Eventually Overnite was spun off and purchased by UPS, now operated as UPS Freight with greatly expanded coverage.
"Mr. C" leaves behind a close-knit family of 14,000 "Big O" employees to mourn his loss and leadership. He was a visionary who lead by example. He surrounded himself with like-minded individuals who created the Overnite masterpiece. As...
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4 Entries
Robert Buice
February 26, 2018
Mr C was my mentor and confidant and I admired him greatly. Rest in peace Mr C. Condolences to your Family. Your friend on Earth and Hereafter. Robert Buice
Carol Woody
July 29, 2016
I was an employee for 18 years before retirement. I still have the utmost respect for him. When I worked for the Big O, we were treated like family. My deepest sympathy to the family. Mr. Cochrane will always be missed. Just so sorry I can't be there to pay my respects.
Mary Jackson
July 28, 2016
I am an employee of 23 years, I have, did and always will have the utmost respect for Mr. Cochrane. He made a family out of his employees and to this day we all still remain a family even after some have retired. We stay in contact and still look out for each other. Thank you for sharing him with us and my condolences for your loss.
Bernie Henderson
July 27, 2016
As President of Woody Funeral Home, I extend our deepest sympathy from all our staff for your loss. We are committed to providing the utmost care to you at this time and throughout the days to come. Our purpose is to assist and serve you in a manner that exceeds your expectations. We pledge to strive to merit the trust you have reposed in us.
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1771 North Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23229
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