James Elzie Cockrell, Jr.

Roebuck, SC- James Elzie Cockrell, Jr., 80, husband of Sharon Murph Cockrell, died Saturday, March 18, 2017 at his home, with his loving family by his side. Born June 30, 1936 in Columbia, SC, Jay was a son of the late James Elzie Cockrell, Sr. and Helen McCutchen Cockrell. He was a graduate of Pacolet High School and trained as a technician with Business Machines Equipment Co. in Spartanburg. He attended periodic schools in Birmingham, AL and Atlanta, GA. Jay worked as a civil service technician at the Naval Air Force Base in Beaufort, SC. Later, he was employed with Moss-Evans Business Equipment Company until his retirement. Jay became a mason in 1963 in Port Royal, SC and was a member of Temple Independent Methodist Church. In addition to his wife of 45 years, Jay is survived by his daughter, Allison Cockrell Ingle and her husband, Chad, of Roebuck, SC; his son, Chad Cockrell and his fiancé, Kelly Kuklasinski, of Spartanburg, SC; a very special granddaughter, Anna Grace Ingle of Roebuck, SC; a brother, Dr. Capers Rembert “Bert” Cockrell and his wife, Hilda, of Hampton, VA; a sister, Donna Cockrell Sawyer and her husband, Derek; niece, Heather Sawyer; nephew, Todd Cockrell of Richmond, TX; great nephews, Josiah and Henry; a great niece, Caroline, also of Richmond, TX; his favorite sister in-law and brother in-law, Judy and J. L. Harper; and his special friends, who visited often, Edith and Gary Baily. The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to his cardiologist, Dr. Michael Eickman and his staff; Dr. Stephen Hess of Westgate Family Physicians and his staff; Dr. Brandon Davis and Owen McWhorter, B.S.N. of Spartanburg Regional Heart Center for the care they’ve given Jay. Also a special thanks to the caregivers at Gentiva Home Health and Hospice, especially Debbie Krell and their Chaplain Rex Keaton. The members of Temple Independent Methodist Church, who have prayed, called, sent cards, and came to visit Jay, are deeply appreciated for their ministry of love. The family will receive friends Wednesday, March 22nd, 1:30-2:45PM at Temple Independent Methodist Church. Funeral service will follow in the Sanctuary at 3PM, officiated by Pastor Rex Keaton. A private interment will be held in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will be at the home, 140 Laynewood Drive, Roebuck, SC 29376. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Temple Independent Methodist Church, Home Missions Department, 171 Watkins Court, Spartanburg, SC 29301.