Obituary for Edward Dewey "Billy Buck" Cockrell Sr.
Gone West
Edward D.Cockrell, Sr., affectionately known as Billy Buck, at the age of
88, went west into the sunset on April 16, 2019 to be forever with his Lord
and Savior, Jesus Christ. Born to Dewey and Mary Cockrell, he was a
lifetime resident of Glebe Point and 1947 graduate of Wicomico High
School.
In Billy Buck’s own words, “I started flying at the age of 15, flew solo at 16,
and got my private pilot’s license at 17. From 1947 to 1954, I served in the
National Guard and U.S. Navy as a Seabee. Upon returning home in 1954
and after obtaining my commercial license, I began flying for Menhaden
Products (Smith Factory) in Lewes, Delaware. My first airplane was a 1946
PA 12 Super Cruiser. When visibility was 2 to 3 miles, I would fly the sun
beam back to shore since the sun goes down in the west. From 1955 to
1963, I flew the Chesapeake Bay with Menhaden Co., Joe Jett factory in
Fairport. In 1962, I bought a PA 18 Cub. In 1964, I flew for Reedville Oil
and Guana Company in Reedville and in 1965 for Standard Products of
Fairport. In 1966, with my brother Orvin, we bought the fishing vessel,
Pluck, from Joe Jett. We caught ‘menhaden’ with the standard menhaden
boat with power blocks, then froze the bait fish to sell to the crabbers on
the Chesapeake Bay. I spotted fish in my new 1966 Cessna Sky Hawk for
Cockrell’s Ice and Seafood Co. in Reedville until 1969.”
Billy Buck was a hard worker, loyal friend, passionate advocate of his
beliefs, patriot, brother, father and loving husband. He will forever be
remembered by his wife of 14 years, Marion, son Edward “Eddie” Cockrell,
Jr. (Janet), step-son Thomas S. Harris, Jr. (Heather), step-daughters
Christy Brown and Stephanie Albright (Jason), 11 grandchildren and 12
great grandchildren. Brother Orvin Cockrell and sisters Phyllis Dameron
and Cynthia Braun. Many nephews, nieces, and cousins.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Billy Buck will be held on
Saturday, April 27, 2019, beginning 2:00PM at the Fairport Baptist Church,
2395 Fairport Road, Reedville, VA 22539. Reception immediately
following. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the
Fairport Baptist Church.
Edward D.Cockrell, Sr., affectionately known as Billy Buck, at the age of
88, went west into the sunset on April 16, 2019 to be forever with his Lord
and Savior, Jesus Christ. Born to Dewey and Mary Cockrell, he was a
lifetime resident of Glebe Point and 1947 graduate of Wicomico High
School.
In Billy Buck’s own words, “I started flying at the age of 15, flew solo at 16,
and got my private pilot’s license at 17. From 1947 to 1954, I served in the
National Guard and U.S. Navy as a Seabee. Upon returning home in 1954
and after obtaining my commercial license, I began flying for Menhaden
Products (Smith Factory) in Lewes, Delaware. My first airplane was a 1946
PA 12 Super Cruiser. When visibility was 2 to 3 miles, I would fly the sun
beam back to shore since the sun goes down in the west. From 1955 to
1963, I flew the Chesapeake Bay with Menhaden Co., Joe Jett factory in
Fairport. In 1962, I bought a PA 18 Cub. In 1964, I flew for Reedville Oil
and Guana Company in Reedville and in 1965 for Standard Products of
Fairport. In 1966, with my brother Orvin, we bought the fishing vessel,
Pluck, from Joe Jett. We caught ‘menhaden’ with the standard menhaden
boat with power blocks, then froze the bait fish to sell to the crabbers on
the Chesapeake Bay. I spotted fish in my new 1966 Cessna Sky Hawk for
Cockrell’s Ice and Seafood Co. in Reedville until 1969.”
Billy Buck was a hard worker, loyal friend, passionate advocate of his
beliefs, patriot, brother, father and loving husband. He will forever be
remembered by his wife of 14 years, Marion, son Edward “Eddie” Cockrell,
Jr. (Janet), step-son Thomas S. Harris, Jr. (Heather), step-daughters
Christy Brown and Stephanie Albright (Jason), 11 grandchildren and 12
great grandchildren. Brother Orvin Cockrell and sisters Phyllis Dameron
and Cynthia Braun. Many nephews, nieces, and cousins.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Billy Buck will be held on
Saturday, April 27, 2019, beginning 2:00PM at the Fairport Baptist Church,
2395 Fairport Road, Reedville, VA 22539. Reception immediately
following. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the
Fairport Baptist Church.