Willie James Cockerham

EAST BEND – Mr. Willie James Cockerham, 82, of Joe’s Lake Road passed away peacefully Monday April 28, 2025 at his home. He was born February 24, 1943 in Yadkin County to the late Joe and Fannie Lyons Cockerham. Mr. Cockerham was a veteran of the US Army and was also retired from R.J Reynolds Tobacco Company with several years of service in both. He was known throughout the community for owning and operating Joe’s Fish Lake, and for being a mechanical specialist. He loved fishing with friends and family at the carp pond, working in his garden and watching old westerns on the television. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pattie Belle Shore Cockerham, and his daughter, Patricia Reid. Surviving are his daughter, Wilma Kay Hobson; his son, Tony (Jan Love) Cockerham; grandchildren, Ciera (Chad) Faircloth, Joshua (Cara) Hobson, Landreth Cockerham, Ansleigh Reid, Brooke Davis; great-grandson, James Samuel Hobson; and his sister, Linda Norman. The family would also like to express their gratitude to the special caregivers for him, Sherri Phillips, Jill Jester, Myra Smith, Angie Bell, Billie Jean Dove, Layla Watson, to Mountain Valley Hospice, and Yadkin County EMS for their continued care and support to Mr. Cockerham. The family will receive friends from 2-4 PM Wednesday at Gentry Family Funeral Service in East Bend. His Funeral Service will be held 4:00 PM Wednesday at the Gentry Family Chapel by Rev. Brian Poindexter and Brother Lawrence Warden. Burial will follow in the Nebo Church of Christ Cemetery with Full Military Honors by Yadkin VFW Post 10346. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice.