Gregory L. Cocke was born on September 6, 1967, in Fort Worth, Texas, to the late Robert R. Cocke and Phyllis Cocke. He grew up in Azle, Texas, with his two sisters, Lisa and Jeanette, and his brother, Randall. The family attended Azle Church of Christ, where Greg was a dedicated member until his death. Greg attended school K-12 at Azle I.S.D. He was a pole vaulter on the track team and a fullback on the football team. Greg graduated from Azle High School in 1986. He received academic scholarships and attended Abilene Christian University. During his college years, Greg participated in many campus and community activities, including refereeing for local high school football teams. He graduated from A.C.U. in 1990 with a degree in engineering physics. In 1991, Greg married the love of his life, Teresa Moore, and together they started a close and loving family. Twins, Alissa and Robby, were born in 1996, and Cora was born in 1998.

In 2000, the family moved to Weatherford, Texas, where Greg and Teresa attended many of their children’s school functions. Greg adored watching his daughters play various community league sports. His son, Robby, was diagnosed with autism in 1999. Greg was very dedicated to his son’s needs and was a doting caregiver.

In his spare time, Greg enjoyed hunting, fishing, computer games, and visiting with family and friends. During the spring and summer, he spent many hours outside playing with his children and visiting with the neighbors. Some of our favorite memories are when he “silly danced” with the kids and joyously aggravated his sisters and brother.

He joined the Fort Worth Fire Department in 1993 and served with great pride until his death in 2009. Greg was an engineer at station 23, and he loved and respected all those he served beside. They were his second family. He was also the fire house cook and was well known for making his favorite dish, fideo.

On March 14, 2009, Greg died as the result of a brain aneurysm that happened a few days earlier during a strenuous training exercise. Regrettably, Greg’s dad, Battalion Chief Robert Cocke, also died in the line of duty, after suffering a heart attack during a high-rise training exercise on December 6, 1993.

We miss them both every day and cherish all our wonderful memories. The Cocke family is immensely grateful that Greg and his dad are being honored by the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland.