Jeffery Alan Cocke was born April 20‚ 1952‚ in Lynchburg‚ Virginia‚ a son of Christine Keesee Cocke of Altavista and the late Claude Swanson Cocke. He was a lifelong member of Lane Memorial United Methodist Church. He retired from Abbott Laboratories with 21 years of service in 2003‚ allowing him more time to enjoy his favorite hobby – golf. After retiring‚ Jeffery also worked several part-time jobs at various local businesses – NAPA Auto Parts‚ Bennett’s Mechanical‚ and more recently Steve’s Florist.
Jeffery was a member of the Lynch Station Ruritan Club‚ where he held several positions from member to serving as president for at least two terms during this more than 22 years of service. Jeff also loved Altavista High School sports. He volunteered for many years keeping stats for the football team‚ scorekeeping for the basketball team‚ working in the pit crew for the marching band‚ and assisting with girls’ softball. He eventually became an umpire with the Colonial Officials Association in 2000.
Volunteering and helping others was his life’s passion. He served his ultimate position of volunteerism while with the Altavista Fire Company for over 39 years. Jeff worked through the ranks as a firefighter‚ holding several elected positions including lieutenant‚ captain‚ assistant chief‚ and chief during his time volunteering. According to many community members‚ he is going to be an irreplaceable part of the tight-knit community of Altavista.
Altavista Fire Company Chief John Tucker says‚ ‘Jeffery was one of the top call runners in the department. He meant a lot. He was someone you could call in the middle of the night and he’d come out to help even if it wasn’t really that big of a deal. Or for the one that was a really big call‚ he was always there. We could count on him no matter what.’
Jeffery Alan Cocke‚ 59‚ of Altavista‚ Virginia‚ died Thursday‚ August 4‚ 2011‚ at Lynchburg General Hospital. He was the husband of Vickie Bowyer Cocke for 39 years. In addition to his wife‚ he is survived by two daughters‚ Jennifer Monroe (38) and her husband‚ Jeff; and Christy Murray (31) and her husband‚ Brian; three grandsons‚ Jordan Monroe (18)‚ Jackson Monroe (17)‚ and Joshua Murray (5)‚ all of Altavista.
A good family man who as very much community-oriented.
– Denise MurrayLearned just today that Jeffery died in the line of duty as a firefighter in
– Larry L Stephenson M D2011. Although it had been many years since I talked with Jeffery, the tributes
to him are accurate and would be appropriate whether he was 18 or 59. We
grew up together and played together as young children and were in Altavista’s
school system together. I was proud and impressed to read the many years of service
he provided for his Fellow Man, his community, and his family. In 2007 I experienced
a fire in my medical office in Warrenton, Virginia and was very greatful that the Fire Department was there within five minutes allowing us to save many of my patient charts. I thank God for firefighters who again and again show bravery.