John Willis Cochran

Reverend John Willis Cochran, 83, of Blairsville, GA went to meet his Savior on Thursday, March 9, 2023 after an extended illness. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ouida Thornton Cochran, three children, Sheila Loy (Frank), Michael Cochran (Lisa), and Mitchell Cochran (Marcia), eight grandchildren, Joshua Cochran (Vickie), Amy Markham, (Lance), Kaitie Sprenkle (Lake), Corbin McDavitt, Andrew Cochran (Celeste), Evan Cochran (Jaden), Anna Bryce Cochran, and Seth Cochran. He and his wife are also blessed with 7 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, May Bell Hayes Cochran, father, Ulvie Cochran and five sisters. Reverend Cochran loved Laurel, moving here when he was 6 years old. He graduated from George S. Gardener High School in 1957. He then worked as a butcher in Laurel until he received the call to ministry in 1964. He then went on to William Carey College where he graduated with a degree in English while serving as a pastor in Ellisville, Stringer, and Ovett. After completing his Bachelor’s degree, he went to seminary at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University where he received a Master’s of Divinity degree. He was ordained a full elder in the United Methodist Church in 1979. He returned to Mississippi where he served churches all over the state until his retirement in 2014. He continued to fill pulpits as needed for several years. Reverend Cochran served as a minister in the United Methodist Church for over 50 years. He also served his Lord in the community as a baseball coach, high school English teacher, and counselor to many young people. He loved old movies, Andy Griffith, and watching Mary Poppins with his grand and great-grandchildren, who will tell you he was “practically perfect in every way”. He loved to ride around Laurel and reminisce about the town where he grew up. He loved and cared for his wife and his family. But most of all he loved the Lord, and shared that with everyone he met. He will be missed by his family, his friends and his former parishioners everywhere. Visitation will be at Memory Chapel Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 from 5 until 7 p.m. The funeral service will be held at West Laurel United Methodist Church on Thursday, March 16th at 2:00 p.m. with interment to follow at Antioch United Methodist Church Cemetery. Rev. Richard Williams will officiate. To sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com. “No life can surpass that of a man who quietly continues to serve God in the place where providence has placed him.” C.H. Spurgeon

John Willis Cochran

June 16, 1939 - March 9, 2023