Ray Cochran

Benhams, VA - Ray Cochran, 87, died the morning of December 10, 2014, at Lake Bridge Medical Center in Johnson City, TN. Ray was born Feburary 25th 1927 to Brice and Loulu Cochran in Grundy, Virginia. He was drafted into the US Army in 1944 for service in World War II, where he proudly served as a member of the Military Police. Ray guarded prominent Nazi officials including Rudolf Hess and Hermann Goring during the Nuremburg Trials; he shared stories of talking with them during his shifts. Ray was the proprietor of the Benham’s Mall for over 20 years, proudly serving members of his beloved community. He was a member of Fleenor’s Memorial Church for over 16 years. He loved Western movies, NASCAR, and visiting family and friends in Grundy. Mr. Cochran is survived by: his wife of 23 years, Kathleen Cochran; his children, Linda Kay Weaver, 69, of Charlotte, NC; Clay Ray Cochran 67 of Smyrna, TN; Franklin David Cochran, 62, of Aston, TN; Theresa Ann Landes, 54, of Charlotte, NC; his stepchildren, Rosetta Hurley of Grundy VA; Dora Ann Lester of Grundy VA, and Gary Stacy of Benhams VA; and 12 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by: his wife of 43 years Ocie Ann Cochran, his siblings Opal Sykes, Woodrow Cochran, Claude Cochran, Toy Cochran, Marie “Toots” Shortridge, Trinkle Cochran, Faye Cochran; daughter Arlene Horne Wolfe; granddaughter Betty Sue Cochran; great granddaughter Haley Wyatt. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, December 14, 2014, at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA, with Pastor Roger Ball and Pastor Mike Danser officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Bill Weaver, Nathan Smith, Billy Weaver, IV, Danny Tate, Dr. John Scherill, and David Cochran serving as pallbearers. Military Rites will be conducted by Highlands Veterans Honor Guard and the Virginia National Guard. Visitation with the family will be held 6-8 p.m., Saturday at the Forest Hill Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. The family gives special recognition and thanks to Caris Healthcare for their kindness during this tough time. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register. The Cochran family is being cared for by Farris Cremation & Funeral Center, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.