Billy Gene Cockes entered into eternal rest on Thursday, July 30, 2015. His family will receive friends Saturday, August 8, 2015, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Shelton Funeral Home, followed by a celebration of life service at 3 p.m. at the funeral home. Entombment will be in Elmwood Cemetery in Town Creek.
Mr. Cockes was the youngest of seven children born to Grover Cleveland Cocke and Bessie Gentle Cocke. After graduating from Hazelwood High School, he served his country in the United States Navy and fought in the Korean War, serving as a gunner’s mate. After the Navy, he went to Auburn University and graduated in 1957. He was a lifelong die-hard Auburn fan.
He and his wife, the late Genese Gibson Cockes, married on June 21, 1960, and were husband and wife until her death on March 19, 2008. They were members of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church.
Mr. Cockes worked for the State of Alabama Board of Pardons and Parole from October 1, 1959, to January 31, 1994, as an officer and supervisor, receiving several honors and awards during his career, including Alabama State Probation and Parole Officer of the Year in 1984.
He is preceeded in death by his wife; his parents; sisters, Elizabeth Richie, Eleanor Brandon, Peg Cocke and Aline Flora; and brothers, Morris “Sonny Boy” Cocke and Buddy Cocke.
He is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Cockes Lane and her husband, Brad; grandsons, (the love of his life) Casey Bradley Lane and Tanner Gene Lane; and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Pallbearers will be Casey Lane, Tanner Lane, Steve Hardy, Ken Hardy, Tyler Gibson, Karson Gibson, Micha Reed and Josh Jenkins.
Billy always wanted his friends to remember after his death that “he was a good ole’ turkey; he just lost his strut.”
