Obituary of ROY COCHRAN

Roy Cochran Roy (Big Roy) Cochran, 86, of the East Alarka community, departed this life to be with his heavenly father Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at 1:43 p.m. He was born Nov. 22, 1922 to the late Addie and Kimsey Cochran. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Juanita Earls Cochran; six sisters, Florence Greene, Bertha Nations, Eva Bowers, Cora Lee Bridges, Minnie Woods, and Emma Proctor; twin brother Ray; and two great grandchildren, Bryce and Gabe. He entered the service April 30, 1943, at Fort Jackson, S.C. He spent time in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe with the 158th Combat Engineers. He received five Bronze Stars and several other Medals. Roy loved to camp and fish, but he was most proud of his devotion to the East Alarka Baptist Church, here he was a deacon since Oct. 30, 1948. He once held the office of Sunday School superintendent, adult Sunday School teacher, treasurer and choir leader. Roy is survived by his two sons, Rev. Max Cochran and wife June, Curtis and wife Lynn; three daughters, Peggy and husband Fred Brendle, Connie and husband Joe Crisp, Shelia and husband Ronnie Bowers; one sister-in-law Jeanetta and husband Roy Barker; 10 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, May 29, at East Alarka Baptist Church, with Rev. Tim Reeves and Steve Gunter officiating. The body will be taken to the church Thursday, May 28, where the family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the East Alarka Baptist Church Mission Fund, c/o Ronnie Bowers, 321 Earls Road, Bryson City, NC 28713.