William Edward “Bill” Cochran, Sr.
August 24, 1929 – May 15, 2022
William Edward (“Bill”) Cochran, Sr., 92, of Dunkirk passed away May 15, 2022 at his home surrounded by family. Bill was born August 24, 1929 in Radford, Virginia to William Ernest and Alice (Fisher) Cochran. Bill was raised in Radford, graduated from Radford High School and then went on to attend Piedmont Bible College in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, during which he was drafted into the military. Due to his educational achievements, Bill was provided the opportunity to select the branch of military he would serve and selected the United States Air Force. Bill went on to have an extensive and decorated career in the Air Force, including serving as the radio operator on Air Force Two, flying around the world with Vice President Agnew, as well as being the first person nominated to hold the position of Head of the U.S. Presidential Aviation Command Center at Joint Base Andrews, a position he gladly accepted. During his tenure in the Air Force, Bill and his family traveled to and lived in numerous destinations, including California, Hawaii, Mississippi, New York, South Carolina, Iran and South Korea; finally, ending at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland – the place he and his family would finally call ‘home’. After settling in Maryland and following his retirement from the Air Force, Bill commenced his second career as a police officer for the United States Capitol Police Department from which he retired in 1994 after another twenty years of service. Bill was a man of deep faith, serving as a member of First Baptist Church of Upper Marlboro, where he held the roles of Deacon and Sunday school teacher. He later became a member of Bayside Baptist Church in Chesapeake Beach. In his spare time, Bill enjoyed gardening, genealogy, golfing and being outdoors. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family. William was a very well-respected man and will be missed greatly.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife Mary Jane and siblings, Louis, Sarah and Mickey Cochran. He is survived by his children Pamela Whitlow (Bruce) of Rose Haven, Janet Farrell (Jack) of California, William Cochran, Jr. (Stephanie) of Fulton, and John Cochran (Cindy) of Dunkirk; grandchildren Jennifer Campbell (Bryan), Heather Crowley, Allison Farrell, Cambrie Cochran, John Cochran, Jr. and Kayley Cochran; six great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and brother Philip (“Colin”) Cochran (Dot) of Radford.
Visitation
Friday, May 20, 2022
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Services
- Funeral Service
Friday, May 20, 2022
11:00 AM
Contributions
Condolences
Sort Comments
17 May 2022
2:54pm
Eddie was my uncle and also a fine man. I also considered Eddie as a friend. He always had cool stories to tell about his adventures in the Air Force, the politicians who flew on “his” plane, the places they went, and some of the crazy politicians he saw at the Capitol building. Eddie always spoke about his family, what we’re doing, and where they were. He is now reunited with the love of his life, Mary Jane.
City
Radford
State
Virginia
17 May 2022
4:55pm
Bill was my neighbor kitty corner across the street. I never knew what an impressive man he was. I used to visit him and we chatted a lot. He was still mowing his grass and outside all the time, as was I. He’d stop in his car and chat when I outside. I really enjoyed visiting with him. He was a very nice neighbor. I’m so very sorry for your loss. He was a good old guy. I’m glad he was able to be at home with family. Please accept my sincere condolences. Hmmm, I think I may have met son John and had a few in his driveway?? I really enjoyed my friendship with your dad.
City
BELLAIRE
State
Michigan
17 May 2022
5:42pm
So sorry for your loss. Know that he is in a better place. Sending prayers????????????????
City
Chesapeake Beach
State
MD
17 May 2022
7:16pm
Pam, Janet, William and John and families, we are praying for you. Sorry for your loss. We love you, God bless, love, Sharon, Jennifer, Suzanne and Linda
City
Roanoke
State
Virginia
31 May 2022
10:24pm
Thank You so very much for your luv and Prayers.Dad was a wonderful Man. We miss him. Luv to all. …..Pam ….Janet….William and John
City
California
State
Maryland
17 May 2022
7:44pm
Bill was such a great man, father and friend we are so sorry. Lifting you all up in prayers. Cherish those fond memories that will forever live in your all’s hearts. ????????
City
Rose Haven
State
Maryland
17 May 2022
9:49pm
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Bill..He was a good man and father in law as well as Mary..They always welcomed us into there home and you could feel the love.. I kno Bill and Mary found each other on the other side and now rest in eternity with the father..God bless the Cochran family during this time
City
Dunkirk
State
Md
18 May 2022
1:02pm
Sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
City
Columbia
State
Md
18 May 2022
5:56pm
Mr. Cochran brightened many of my days at the Magnolia Shoppe. He was a very interesting conversationalist and accomplished many goals in his lifetime. My heartfelt sympathy to his family, especially Pam and Bruce. May he sleep in heavenly peace.
City
Shady Side
State
MD
19 May 2022
11:22pm
Uncle Eddie was a devoted husband to Mary and a great father to his children. Pam, Janet, William and John and all the family, we send our love, healing thoughts and prayers to you to try and ease your pain. Eddie was a special man, a hero from his days in the Air Force and always had great stories to tell us at family gatherings. He is back with Mary and our families in heaven making a place for us to join them there one day.
City
Midlothian
State
Virginia
20 May 2022
11:47am
Sending love,thoughts and prayers to the family. What an amazing person uncle Eddie was and made a difference in so many lives. I will cherish the memories of uncle Eddie. Love you’ll all. Tommy
City
Radford
State
Virginia
Sort Comments
Eddie was my uncle and also a fine man. I also considered Eddie as a friend. He always had cool stories to tell about his adventures in the Air Force, the politicians who flew on “his” plane, the places they went, and some of the crazy politicians he saw at the Capitol building. Eddie always spoke about his family, what we’re doing, and where they were. He is now reunited with the love of his life, Mary Jane.
Bill was my neighbor kitty corner across the street. I never knew what an impressive man he was. I used to visit him and we chatted a lot. He was still mowing his grass and outside all the time, as was I. He’d stop in his car and chat when I outside. I really enjoyed visiting with him. He was a very nice neighbor. I’m so very sorry for your loss. He was a good old guy. I’m glad he was able to be at home with family. Please accept my sincere condolences. Hmmm, I think I may have met son John and had a few in his driveway?? I really enjoyed my friendship with your dad.
So sorry for your loss. Know that he is in a better place. Sending prayers????????????????
Pam, Janet, William and John and families, we are praying for you. Sorry for your loss. We love you, God bless, love, Sharon, Jennifer, Suzanne and Linda
Thank You so very much for your luv and Prayers.Dad was a wonderful Man. We miss him. Luv to all. …..Pam ….Janet….William and John
Bill was such a great man, father and friend we are so sorry. Lifting you all up in prayers. Cherish those fond memories that will forever live in your all’s hearts. ????????
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Bill..He was a good man and father in law as well as Mary..They always welcomed us into there home and you could feel the love.. I kno Bill and Mary found each other on the other side and now rest in eternity with the father..God bless the Cochran family during this time
Sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mr. Cochran brightened many of my days at the Magnolia Shoppe. He was a very interesting conversationalist and accomplished many goals in his lifetime. My heartfelt sympathy to his family, especially Pam and Bruce. May he sleep in heavenly peace.
Uncle Eddie was a devoted husband to Mary and a great father to his children. Pam, Janet, William and John and all the family, we send our love, healing thoughts and prayers to you to try and ease your pain. Eddie was a special man, a hero from his days in the Air Force and always had great stories to tell us at family gatherings. He is back with Mary and our families in heaven making a place for us to join them there one day.
Sending love,thoughts and prayers to the family. What an amazing person uncle Eddie was and made a difference in so many lives. I will cherish the memories of uncle Eddie. Love you’ll all. Tommy