GREENSBORO — Walter C. "Walt" Cockerham, Jr. passed away Friday, February 22, 2013 at Moses Cone Hospital. He had been in declining health for the past year
Funeral Services will be held at Forbis and Dick North Elm Street Chapel on Monday, February 25, at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Westminster Gardens.
He was born on June l5, 1929 to the late Carl and Eva Cockerham of Jonesville North Carolina. Walt loved his God, his community and his country with great passion. He founded Cockerham Construction in 1952 and retired from that business in 1992. He was also President and Chairman of Supreme Mills Textile Co. and owner of Cockerham Realty. Mr. Cockerham served on the Greensboro City Council from 1967-1969. In 1978, he was elected to the North Carolina State Senate for two terms. Walt was a veteran and member of V.F.W. and the American Legion. He served 15 years with the Department of Defense as Chairman of the Speakers Bureau for the National Guard and Reserve Affairs. In 1996, he was elected to the Guilford Country Board of Commissioners and served as Vice-Chairman of the Board for two years. His last appointed office was to the Piedmont Triad International Airport Authority and served in that capacity for 12 years. As a licensed pilot, he was dedicated to making our airport bigger and better and being part of this committee brought him much pleasure. Walt was an active member of the Guilford County Republican party and campaigned tirelessly for those candidates whom he thought would make our city and country a better place for the next generation. Walt was a member of a non-denominational Christ based church and served God faithfully to the end. Walt was also a friend of Bill W.'s for thirty years.
Walt was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Norma Neely, two brothers, Ralph Edward Cockerham and Donald L. Cockerham and his beautiful granddaughter Kristen L Ladd.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 22 years, Rita Cockerham of the home; sons, John Cockerham (Cindy) of Raynham, MA, Greg Cockerham of Greensboro, daughters, Debra Ladd (Scott) of Rochester, MA, Joan Hill (Richard) and Caron Krier (Jack) both residing in The Villages, Florida, daughter-in-law Myra B. Cockerham. Also surviving are stepsons, Scott (Emily) Berry of Cedar Point, NC and David Berry of Greensboro. Mr. Cockerham is also survived by one brother, Kent (Betty) Cockerham of State Road, NC, a sister, Earline Taylor of Thurmond, NC, Sisters-in law, Marlene Cockerham of Greensboro and Stella Cockerham of Clemmons, NC. Grandchildren include Brandon Ladd and Abbie Takvorian (Nathan), James Cockerham and Julie Cockerham all of Massachusetts, John Michael Cockerham and Kelley Cockerham of Greensboro, N.C. Step grandchildren are Justin, Gwen, Brennan and Ashley Berry all who loved their Poppy. Three adorable great grandchildren, Ethan, Conner, and Kaleigh Takvorian. Also special nieces and nephews.
Online condolences may be made at www.forbisanddick.com
