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Mr. Tommy Joe Cockrell, Sr. of Florence, MS, passed away on January 10, 2024, at the age of 75. He bravely fought against several medical issues during recent years but remained quick to share a smile or joke with those around him. Though he has passed on, the light and joy he brought to those around him remain with us.
Tommy entered this world on January 26th, 1948, and spent his early years in Mize, MS, raised by his mother, Wilma Cockrell, and father, Herman Cockrell, alongside his sisters, Brenda Cockrell Langham and Linda Cockrell Cooper, on a farm where he enjoyed horseback riding, sports, and the outdoors. He went on to bravely serve his country as a medic in Vietnam, where he earned many accolades and medals, including a Purple Heart and Bronze Star, for his valor and for saving the lives of his comrades.
When he returned, Mr. Tommy lived a life full of love, laughter, and adventure, and he continued to serve those around him during his time in law enforcement until finally settling on a career in construction, where he built up not only quality construction projects but those around him. He spent his days surrounded by loved ones while enjoying activities such as camping, tubing, white water rafting, and indulging his love of travel. Mr. Tommy was an avid lover of sports and games, including cards and dominos, and those he left behind eagerly await the day we are able to reunite with him and have him deal us in on the next hand at his heavenly card table.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Wilma Cockrell; wife, Cathy Bates Ford; brother-in-law, Billy Langham.
He is survived by his son, Tommy Joe Cockrell Jr; daughters, Nina Langston, Casey Cockrell Stuart (Ed), Trisha McClean, Melissa Grantham; sisters, Brenda Langham and Lynda Cooper (Bill); and brother-in-law, Harry Bates (Beverly); nephews, Chase Morrison, Ian Ford and Nathan McGovern.
