John “Tex” Cliney Cochran

During a family's time of loss, understandably family and friends would like to visit and express their sympathy. Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services asks that during this difficult time for the safety and well being of the family, please keep touching and contact to a minimum. We ask if you have visited outside of the USA in the last two weeks or if you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms to please wait and visit with the family at a later time. You may contact the family by email, place an online condolence on our website or give the family a phone call. Again, we understand this is a difficult time but we encourage exhibiting safety and courtesy to everyone involved in these services. The mandate from Governor Cooper includes funerals, visitations and all services, so we must limit the attendance until further notice. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding during this unprecedented situation. ELM CITY - John "Tex" Cliney Cochran, age 80, passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2020. Born in Harris County, TX on October 11, 1939, he was the son of the late William Horace Cochran and Frances Nell Luckel Cochran. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Michael P. Cochran; and granddaughter, Caroline Wynne Hathaway. John was commonly known by all simply as "Tex", or "Grandpa Tex". His love and skill for training racehorses was well known and respected around the track, especially at the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, a city he thoroughly loved. In his career as a horse trainer, he had 31 Starts with 5 First Place, 5 Second Place, and 6 Third Place finishes. A loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many, Tex will be forever missed and never forgotten. Tex leaves behind to cherish his memory, daughter, Carrolle Cochran Hathaway and husband, Mark, of Elm City. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Mary Hannah Hathaway, Katie Susan Hathaway, John Carlyle Hathaway, and Parker Tumonello; brother, Jack Frye Cochran and wife, Suzanne; sister, Nell Cochran Hastings and husband, Jerry; and seven nieces and nephews. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, March 20, 2020 at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services. The family will receive friends and relatives on Thursday, March 19, 2020 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association Eastern NC, 3737 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27612. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Thursday 3/19, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm The family will receive friends and relatives on Thursday, March 19, 2020 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home. Service Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home 1130 N. Winstead Avenue Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Friday 3/20, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, March 20, 2020 at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services.