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Gary Leigh Cockrell
1945 - 2017
Gary Leigh Cockrell
1945 - 2017
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1945
DIED
2017
Gary Cockrell Obituary
Gary Cockrell, 72 of Winter Garden, FL and formerly of Douglasville, GA passed away on November 2, 2017. Gary was born in Norfolk, Virginia on October 9, 1945. Gary was an educator teaching high school Math and Science and enjoyed seeing kids grow and learn. He was a member of the Forest Lake Seventh Day Adventist Church in Apopka, FL. Gary loved sports including Alabama football and the Atlanta Braves. The joy of his life was being with his family, spending time together at Disney and loved being a grandfather. Gary is survived by his beloved wife Karen; his daughters: Deanna Rader and husband Jason, Kari Oakman and husband Jeff; his brothers and sister: C. Randolph Cockrell and wife Ann, Deborah Streifling and husband Byron and Kevin Cockrell and wife Bonnie; his sister in law, Lynda Cockrell; his grandchildren: Jordan Rader, Jaret Rader, Ansleigh Oakman and Joshua Oakman and by many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Family services have already been held in Florida.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Joan McClure Trimm
November 8, 2017
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Gary's passing. I remember him so well as we grew up together in Mobile. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Allen Reimer
November 7, 2017
I was caught "off-guard" by the news of Gary's passing. I'm one of his cousins, and remember many happy visits to the house on the river (still go by there in our boat...) to enjoy water activities with the relatives. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all his friends in this time of sorrow.
Laurie Wilson
November 6, 2017
Dee,
So very sad to hear this. I have always been so fond of both your Mom and Dad. Your Mom taught me in the fourth grade and your Dad taught me in 7th and 8th. That was well over 35 yeas ago. I will never forget him and have some vey fond memories of when he taught us in Pell City. Saying a prayer for the family and waiting until we can see his face in the clouds of glory. God Bless.
Valli Robinson
November 5, 2017
I was a colleague of Gary's at Alexander HS. He was the nicest guy with a very dry sense of humor. But what I will always remember about him is that when we would have a student, family or community member in need, he was the first to come by with a donation and it was always exceedingly generous. He quietly took care of the Alexander community and never asked for any recognition. I always admired him and will cherish the fond memories. Prayers for comfort for your entire family.
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Emily Rascoe
November 5, 2017
You are all in my prayers during this difficult time. Gary will truly be missed.
CELESTE TURK
November 5, 2017
My heart hurts deeply for Karen, losing the love of her life as well as the rest of the family, as father and grandfather. He was the patriarch of a close-knit and loving family. His legacy for the art of teaching and love of children will live on in the hearts of so many.
"May God's grace find it's way to you every day...protect you from worry...and fill your heart with unshakable faith in difficult times. May hope be a constant in your life...a gift to yourself and others. May love warm your heart every day."
Jenn Halstrom
November 5, 2017
Words cannot really explain how sad we all are for your loss. We pray for your family to stay strong and find peace knowing you honored him with your love and joy. You all definitely made him proud and he was a proud Grandpa, Father, and Friend. In the short times we spoke his love for his family and grand children shined. His energy will always be admired and we will never forget what a truly great person he was and will always be. We hope your family stays strong and don't hesitate if you need anything at all. - With love, The Halstrom's
Marcela Walters
November 5, 2017
Dear Kari, I am deeply sorry for your loss. You all are in my prayers.
Jack and Kay Moore
November 5, 2017
SO sorry to hear the SAD news ..... have been keeping EACH of you in our prayers .... and WILL CONTINUE to thru the coming days ahead as you face this GREAT loss to your family.
We APPRECIATED all he did while teaching at Atlanta Adventist Academy when our kids (Justin & MIchelle) attended.
Keep your FAVORITE MEMORIES of him tucked DEEP in your hearts .... until JESUS comes again on that GREAT day .......NEVER to be separated again !!
Rick, Sonia, Braden, Sophia Mann
November 5, 2017
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and in our prayers for strength and comfort in knowing that we will be reunited with our loved ones on that glorious day the Lord returns.
Jen Krolick
November 5, 2017
Our family is deeply saddened for your loss. I pray that God grants you all peace. I'm comforted that Gary is in heaven and will never experience pain or loss ever again. For all his family that is left behind I am so sorry for your loss. Karen, I love the example the two of you set in your marriage on how to truly love, honor and respect each other. The two of you have created a wonderful legacy in your kids and grandkids. I pray God's peace for you all (Love you Deanna and Kari)
Sara/Rick Marcellino
November 5, 2017
It is with great sadness that we learned of Gary passing. He will always be remembered for his giving personality, quick wit, and warm smile that would light up a room. We will never forget the manner in which he helped make these New Yorkers feel the warmth of the south. We want the entire Cockrell family to know we will be in prayer for the coming months petitioning the Almighty for the comfort only He can bring. God bless you all as you carry on Gary's legacy with the family. Love, the Marcellino's
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