Daniel Riley Cockrell Sr. (Dan), 88 of Athens, went home to be with the Lord on January 3, 2021. He was born September 7, 1932 in Birmingham, AL. His parents were Alvin and Bertha Mae Cockrell. He was raised in Goodwater, AL where he graduated from Goodwater High School. He then enlisted in the United States Navy and served from 1951-1955, where he proudly served in the Korean War. While in the Navy, he made the All-Japan Baseball team and was scouted for the Major Leagues. He graduated from The University of Alabama in 1959 and was a proud lifelong Crimson Tide fan.
He worked for NASA from 1962 to 1995 at Marshall Spaceflight Center and Kennedy Space Center and was proud of his contribution to the Apollo, Saturn and Space Shuttle programs.
Dan’s love for his family and this country always shined through. To know Dan was to love, admire and respect him. Give him 10 minutes, and he would know your life history. Until just a few years ago, he read 3 newspapers every day and until his passing, kept his tv on Fox News, ESPN or Alabama football. He always wanted to know all that he could. He will be missed greatly.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years June Cockrell of Athens, daughter Sabrina Cockrell of Decatur, son Shane Cockrell(Christy) of Navarre Beach, FL, son Mike Hunt of Athens, daughter Gwen Johnson(Mike) of Athens and daughter Sherry Sims(Steve) of Tanner, 12 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents and son Daniel Riley Cockrell, Jr.
Services will be held privately at Antioch Cemetery, on Wednesday, January 6, arrangements by Limestone Chapel.
Pallbearers will be Mike Hunt, Steve Sims, Mike Johnson, Riley Cockrell, Brandon Murphy, Sr. and Brandon Murphy, Jr.
