Obituary of Paul Cochran, Sr.

William Paul Cochran, 94, widower of Laura High Cochran to whom he was married for 70 years, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 11, 2022. He was born in Cherryville, NC and was the son of the late Dewey and Eula Mae Crain Cochran. He was also preceded in death by siblings, Frances Pruitt, Lester Cochran, Lemuel Cochran, Max Cochran, Sr. and Roy Cochran.

Paul loved his family and enjoyed vacationing with them at the beach. Taco Bell, crossword puzzles, Westerns on TV, Andy Griffith and reading the newspaper in his chair were his favorite pastimes. It was amazing how he could recall facts and past events in great detail. Paul was a Veteran of the United States Navy and later worked as an Insurance Salesman. He was a member of Oakland Baptist Church where he was involved for many years. He served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, as well as a member and Chairman of many committees.

After retirement from Wausau Insurance Company, he drove cars for Hertz at the airport and met with friends at Hardees for breakfast. Paul made friends wherever he went, but he especially enjoyed the friendships he made at The Village.

He will be missed and remembered by his children, Cindy Washam (Rodney), Bill Cochran (Sharon), Anne Brown, Susan Woody (Mike), Robert Cochran (Cherise); 11 grandchildren, Che’, Shane, Elizabeth, Michael, Matthew, Jordan, Ryan, Kristin, Ben, Christopher, and Camden; 12 great-grandchildren; sisters, Runelle Etters, Shirley Owen; and sister-in-law, Maxine Cochran.

A service to honor his life will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Saturday, June 18, 2022 in the Chapel of Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road, with Rev. Mike Woody officiating. A private entombment will be held for the family following the service. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 10:30 to 11:30 A.M. at Simpson Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer for donations in Paul’s honor to be made to Oakland Baptist Church, 3623 Roundhill Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24012.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to www.simpsonfuneral.com