Russell Dean Cockrell

ROCKY MOUNT - Russell Dean Cockrell, age 83, passed away on Monday, February 13, 2017. Born in Nash County, NC on February 11, 1934, he was the son of the late Russell C. and Gladys Mae Deans Cockrell. He was also preceded in death by his two brothers, Harold Lee Cockrell and Douglas T. Cockrell; and two sisters, Alipia Odessa Faircloth and Betty Jane Page. Russell served his country overseas during the Korean War in the United States Army. Following his service, he continued his federal service working for the United States Post Office until his retirement after 32 years. Of that time, Russell was the Post Master for 21 years in Elm City and was honored by the Rocky Mount District as the Post Master of the Year for two years. Following his retirement he chose to actively serve his community. He was a member of the West Mount Ruritan Club for 53 years and had perfect attendance for more than 50 years. During this time, he served as District Treasurer for five years and President of the West Mount Club four times. Russell enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels and was the point of contact for the West Mount route for many years. Not only was he a respected community leader, Russell was a man of great faith, being a member of Morton Memorial Presbyterian Church. He served as Clerk, Assistant Superintendent, and chaired the Building Committee, along with many other titles during his tenure. He especially enjoyed teaching Sunday school classes for the junior boys of the church, which was always an important part of church life for him. He loved working in his yard with the various plants and flowers to be seen by all. Russell and his wife, Peggy did not have children but they helped nurture many, many young people through the years. Russell was a model of Christ for the young and old, a true southern gentleman who will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Russell leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife, Peggy Joyner Cockrell; brothers, Bennett Carlton Cockrell of Rocky Mount and Waylon G. Cockrell and wife, Linda, of Raleigh; and sisters, Dorothy Irene Brantley of Rocky Mount and Victoria Ann Collins of Rocky Mount; sisters-in-law, Julia Bissette of Nashville, Becky Cockrell of Winterville and Pauline Cockrell of Maryland; brother-in-law, Dr. Marvin Ray Joyner and wife, Carolyn, of Sanford; and several nieces and nephews. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, February 17, 2017 at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services with Pastor Mary Harris Todd officiating. Burial will follow at Mill Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives on Thursday, February 16, 2017 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services. Memorials may be made to Morton Memorial Presbyterian Church, 6605 West Mount Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27803, however, flowers will be accepted. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and 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 2/16, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Service Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Friday 2/17, 2:00 pm Cemetery Mill Branch Cemetery