Robert Lee Cockrell

Bob Cockrell, 94, of Albany, Texas, passed away on Tuesday, October 16th, 2012, in Abilene, Texas. Visitation will be Thursday, October 18th, 2012 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene, Texas. A Graveside service will be held at the Albany Cemetery, Friday, October 19th, 2012 at 2:00 p.m., in Albany, Texas. Robert (Bob) was born on the family farm, south of Albany in Shackelford County, to James Thomas Cockrell and Hattie Lee (Dyess) Cockrell on February 26, 1918. He attended school at Boogburg later transferring to Albany, where he graduated from Albany High School. In January 1942, he joined the United States Army Air Corps. He served in Burma with the 10th Weather Squadron until January 1946. After returning home, Bob worked for West Central Oil Company and married Que Mitchell on January 1st, 1949. His work in the oilfield and his family's farm kept him busy until 2006, when he retired and moved to Abilene. His interests were daily weather forecasting, farming, hunting, fishing, sports and his two daughters. He always made time for visitors, and if time permitted he had a story or two to tell. Although he was never a member of any special club, church, or organization, Bob was an honorable Christian man. His word was considered better than a written contract by all. He lived by the golden rule, never being harmful, doing good deeds, and loving and respecting his Creator. Bob was preceded in death by parents J.T. and Hattie Cockrell, brothers: Harold, Richard, and George, sisters: Mary, Annie, Louise, and Elizabeth. He is survived by two daughters and their husbands: Bobbie and Rocky Jay of Abilene, Texas and Barbara and Michael Witt, and two granddaughters Carrie and Meredith Witt of Brentwood Tennessee, and several nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hendrick Home for Children, P O Box 5195, Abilene, TX 79608, or Hendrick Hospice Care, 1682 Hickory St., Abilene, TX 79601. The family of Bob Cockrell wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Craig D. Urban and his staff, and Hendrick Hospice Care for the care and compassion extended to Bob and his family.