Gerald Monroe Cochran

November 1, 1927 ~ September 27, 2020 (age 92)

Gerald Monroe Cochran, 92, of Columbus, GA died Sunday, September 27, 2020 at his residence.

A private graveside service will be held Thursday, October 1, 2020 at Parkhill Cemetery with Rev. Tim Jones officiating according to McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907. In keeping with the efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, those attending the graveside service will be required to wear a face mask and social distancing will be in effect.

Gerald was born November 1, 1927 in Columbus, GA to the late Wilson James Cochran and Eva Boan Cochran. He was the owner and operator of American Blind and Awning in Columbus, GA. Gerald was a member of Morningside Baptist Church for 60 years where he also served as a Deacon. He loved to golf, hunt, fish and loved to joke around with everyone. He liked antique cars, was a wonderful storyteller and was a big man with a big heart that had a wonderful laugh that everyone loved to hear.  Other than his parents he is preceded in death by his wife, Willie Clara Rolling Cochran and granddaughter, Abbie Kaitlyn Oakes.

He is survived by his daughters, Patricia “P.J.” J. Blackmon (Carl Schmidt) of Benford, SC. Beth Thomas (Eric W.) of Fortson, GA, grandchildren, Rachel C. Roth of Austin, TX, Sarah W. Blackmon of West Palm Beach, FL, Maxwell Gates Blackmon of Tallahassee, Fl, Megan Molly Russ (Michael) of Willington, NC, and a special friend, Betty Watkins of Columbus, GA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Columbus Hospice House 7020 Moon Rd. Columbus, GA 31909.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gerald Monroe Cochran, please visit our floral store.

I, Ish and all of his friends knew Gerald as "Wallace".  He graduated from Baker High School in 1945.  He played basketball and football.  His wife Clara was a cheerleader, also.  He attended most Baker functions to include the quarterly luncheons.  He told many stories of his time at Baker High and how they had to drive themselves to away games especially the game against Opelika, AL where they had flat tires and other events.  One of his friends, William Weekley, also class of 1945, when William married Joyce, also a 1945 BHS grad, and purchased a new home, Wallace installed new blinds in his home and are still on the home.  He will be missed. -- Ish Nazario '61