Harold C. Cockrell

Harold C. Cockrell March 2, 1914 - May 16, 2010 Harold Clinton Cockrell, a Waco native and son of tenant farmers, died Sunday night at his home at age 96, surrounded by two of his grandchildren. His loss will be felt by the many communities he served. His humbleness and generosity were his individual hallmarks. The funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, May 20, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, 6101 Bosque Ave., Waco, conducted by Dr. Randall Perry of First Baptist Waco. Burial, with Marine Corps honors, will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, 2124 S. 5th St., Waco. Visitation will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, May 19, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey. Mr. Cockrell attended Waco High School and earned his G.E.D. in 1961. He was a proud member of the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, attaining the rank of sergeant. He was responsible for shipping, receiving and logistics in California and later in Saipan, Japan, where he registered damage to returning combat aircraft. He was employed by the Waco Veterans Hospital, retiring after 32 years as Chief of Ward-Administration Station. He worked another 12 years for Waco-Marlin Federal Credit Union, now Members Choice. Not content with a rocking chair retirement, he dedicated his life to volunteer activities for almost 30 years. Twice weekly, he had led exercise classes at First Baptist Church of Waco, where he had been a member for 80 years, and to which he often drove elderly or physically challenged members for services. For Meals on Wheels, he delivered food to disabled and shut-ins. He visited and sat with as many as three patients a week for Hillcrest Community Hospice, which named him “Volunteer of the Year” in 2004 for his long-time service. For two to four hours, two days a week, he painted cabinets at Habitat for Humanity. He regularly participated in patriotic events as a member of Waco Post 2148 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He also served as Chaplain and Auditor for the local chapter of the National Assn. of Retired Federal Employees. An active gardener, his fruitful bounty often found its way to the tables of many who needed both food and cheerfulness. And until physical strength began to fail him he occasionally mowed the lawns for widows and neighbors who could not afford such services. Mr. Cockrell was preceded in death by his parents, James and Sarah Cockrell; by his brothers, James Edward, Glenn, James, Dell, Carl, Robert; sisters, Sarah, Ethel, Lula, Ruth and Faye; and by his wife of 64 years, Fay Louise Kimbrough. He is survived by his son, Ray Cockrell and wife, Suddie of McKinney, TX; by grandchildren; Jeff Cockrell and wife; Linda, and Wayne Cockrell and wife, Audrey, all of Mesquite, TX; and by Adrianne Smith of Waco. His great-grandchildren include Justin, Cody and Sara Cockrell of Mesquite and Sydnee Smith of Commerce, TX. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, Hillcrest Community Hospice or First Baptist Church of Waco. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com.