Tolbert "Tuffy" Francis Cockrell

Tuffy or “Son” as he was known to his family, was born September 27, 1930, in Coryell County TX to Tolbert Francis “Top” Cockrell and Hettie Elizabeth Altum Cockrell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of many years, Ima Ruth Cockrell, son Don Cockrell, two brothers, and six sisters.

He had two children, five step-children, and numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Ashley Cockrell, brother Sam Cockrell, numerous nephews and nieces, and two cats that he loved dearly, Charley and Cammie.

From 1951 to 1955, he served his country in the US Army during the Korean War. He spent the majority of his service time in Germany. He was a welder by trade, and also traveled all over Europe playing on the baseball team. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal.

After the Army, he began a 33-year career with Vought Air Craft which moved him to many locations across America, including New Orleans.

After retirement from Vought, he spent time working in veteran’s homes as a caregiver. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, and dove-hunting. He served as Sunday School Director for many years and looked for opportunities to tell others about Jesus.

Tuffy loved and cared for people and animals and had a tender heart for all those he met. It was no surprise when he met Ashley, who has a heart for loving and caring for others, that the two of them would fall in love and get married, so they could care for each other. He had been a member of First Baptist Church Haltom City since 2021. We were blessed to have him as a member of our church family and will truly miss him.

When he shook your hand, you may get a chill, (his hands were always cold) but that big bright smile and those blue eyes let you know he loved you with a love that was real.

Tuffy's Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, January 25th, 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church Haltom City, 5800 Denton Hwy, Haltom City, Texas 76148.

He will be laid to rest February 13th 2:15 p.m. at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, Texas 75211. If you plan on being present please plan to arrive at the cemetery no later than 2:00 p.m.