Lemar Cockrell

Lemar Cockrell, 94, of Edgefield, husband of Sybil Cockrell Cockrell, died March 4, 2019, at Saluda Nursing Center. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, March 7, at Good Hope Baptist Church with interment in the church cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be held from 12:30-1:30 PM prior to the service at the church.

Born March 7, 1924, in Batesburg, he was the son of the late Tyrie and Ida Lillie Cockrell. A member of what’s been called our country’s greatest generation, he served his country admirably in the U.S. Army in what’s been called the largest and most violent armed conflict in the history of mankind, WWII, fighting in both the Battle of the Bulge and the Central Rhine Battle.

He made his career in the SC Highway Patrol. After retiring in 1975, he and Mrs. Cockrell moved back to her birthplace in Saluda County where they made their home for the next 44 years. A faithful leader in Good Hope Baptist Church, Mr. Cockrell was elected to many terms as deacon, as well as serving the Lord and his church family in many other capacities including church host, senior citizens coordinator, and longtime greeter. Mr. Cockrell was a member of the SC Troopers Association. He was a lifelong avid rabbit hunter.

Surviving are his wife of 71 years, two sons, Steve (Jo) of Cayce and Neal (Vicki and former wife Debbie) of Charleston; grandchildren Scott Cockrell of Cayce, Amy (Ruben) Hernandez of Chicago, IL, Ryan Cockrell, Marcus Cockrell, Julia (Casey) Kundert of Charleston, and Lindsey White of Charlotte, NC; sisters Evelyn Lybrande, Annelle Cockrell, and Shelby Jean Givens of Batesburg, Christine Parkman of Greenwood, and Virginia (Robert) Corley of Leesville; and brothers Heyward (Mavis) Cockrell and Bryson (Judy) Cockrell of Batesburg. Mr. Cockrell had three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Lindy Cockrell, a sister Doris White, and brothers Vernon Cockrell and Harvey Cockrell.

In lieu of flowers memorial can be made to Good Hope Baptist Church, 1738 Greenwood Hwy., Saluda, SC 29138.