On the night of Monday, February 20, 2023, we lost a very dear husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend. Larry Marcus Cockerham Sr. passed into heaven while in the company of family after several years of chronic illness.

Larry was born August 4th, 1942 in the Appalachian mountains of Princeton, West Virginia to Ada May Reed and John Franklin Cockerham. The youngest of eight children, as a boy he enjoyed running around and riding his motorcycle in the mountains. While preparing for these adventures, his Mom would pack him sausage biscuits for the day.

One day, he and his dad were driving to the doctor to settle up a bill. Larry mentioned a car that was for sale at a friend's house. His dad drove over there and said 'Your mom won't mind,' then proceeded to purchase the car for Larry with the money intended to pay the doctor. After that, Grandma would jokingly say, "Don't send John and Larry to pay the bills."

Larry (at a very young age) became the assistant to his mechanical brothers as they worked on their cars; they would ask him for help saying, 'Larry, hand me a 1/2" socket.' In doing this, he honed these natural skills, which he put to use quickly on his hot rods and motorcycles. In time, Larry became respected for his high mechanical aptitude, in a career of planning and executing installation of industrial HVAC systems throughout the Piedmont Triad with his wife, Jerry Lynne.

Larry, or "PaPaw", was a wonderful dad, husband and provider for his family. His love for Christ quietly impacted everyone that had the honor of knowing him. He and Jerry Lynne, or "Jelly", raised four children in Julian NC on 5 acres of land. They enjoyed gardening and traveling with their family, ministering through song on weekends mainly along the east coast. The 'Cockerham Family' recorded four albums in Nashville, TN during their years of ministry. They spent many days together traveling in a retired Ricky Skaggs Greyhound bus, which suitably reflected Larry's love of bluegrass music.

There was never a need for a repairman at the Cockerham home- he just took care of it. Larry was very gifted, working with his hands and with problem solving. Over the years, for every home Larry and Jerry Lynne lived in, they designed and built beautiful spaces together. They enjoyed dreaming, creating, and helping their children fulfill their dreams.

Larry was the father of Kim Hosse (Tom), Angel Cox (Jef), Christy Taylor (Ken), Marc Cockerham (Leah). He was grandfather to Samantha Howard (AJ), Leah Hosse, Jillian Hosse, Luke Hosse; Levi Cox (Lindsay), Millie Dreyer (Justin), Elliot Cox; Jessica Taylor, Sean Taylor (Rachel), Justin Taylor, Brittany Taylor; Riley Cockerham, Lawson Cockerham, Hudson Cockerham. He was great grandfather to little tykes Truman Dreyer, Jefry Cox, Duke Howard and Porter Lennen.Brother to Millie Everson.

Larry loved hiking, kayaking, boating, line dancing, Zumba, Yoga, TaiChi and helping people- though most of all he enjoyed being with his family. His wife Jerry Lynne was the love of his life.

In lieu of flowers, consider sending monetary gifts to: Tidewell Hospice: 3355 26th St. West Bradenton, FL 34205

Please join us for a celebration of Larry's life, Saturday, April 1st 2023 at 2:00pm Tropic Isles Yacht Club: 1375 29th Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221