John Donald "Donnie" Cochran

John Donald “Donnie” Cochran, 76, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 25, 2025. A proud U.S. Army veteran who served in Vietnam, Donnie carried his sense of duty beyond his years in uniform, spending over a decade escorting fellow veterans to their final resting places with the Patriot Guard Riders.

An avid Harley rider, Donnie found peace on the open road, as well as in nature. He enjoyed fishing along the Chattahoochee River and at West Point Reservoir, and he never missed an opportunity to hunt deer when the season arrived. A man who took pride in the little things, he kept his lawn in pristine condition, a reflection of the care and dedication he brought to all aspects of his life.

Donnie also had a love for music and camaraderie, often singing karaoke at Hangar 92 and Monterey’s, where his voice and presence brought joy to many.

His legacy of service, friendship, and passion for life will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all who had the honor of knowing him.

Donnie is survived by his children, Christopher Jason Sallas and Elizabeth Nicole Wilson; brother, Richard Michelle) Cochran; sister, Cathy (Terrell) Newton; grandchildren, Zoie and Madisyn as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Thursday, February 27 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Friday, February 28 from 11:00 am until the 2:00 pm. Funeral services will be held in the chapel of Whitley Garner Funeral Home Friday at 2:00 pm. Interment will follow at Sunrise Memorial Gardens in Douglasville.

If ordering a floral tribute, please contact our preferred florist for guaranteed service: Frances Florist, 12641 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Douglasville, GA 770-949-8711, or www.FrancesFlorist.net .

Whitley Garner at Rosehaven is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements of John Donald “Donnie” Cochran.