William Michael Cochrane

Mike was born in Montgomery, Alabama on May 28, 1945. He graduated from Ramsey High School and later attended Alabama College at Montevallo. He also proudly served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. On June 4, 1966, he married the love of his life, Sherrell Funderburk Cochrane, and together they shared nearly sixty treasured years of marriage.

Mike's career in construction was centered on Cochrane Roofing & Metal Company, but he found his greatest fulfillment in mentoring and educating future contractors. He was widely known as a patient and exacting professional and was regarded by many as an authority in the roofing industry. Many construction leaders have remarked that an encouraging word or thoughtful guidance from Mike early in their careers played a meaningful role in their success. His passion for the trade was evident in the ingenious solutions he developed for complex problems, and he took immense pride in the many projects he helped bring to life throughout the Southeast.

He was an active member of Rotary, the Knights of Columbus, the American Subcontractors Association, and the National Roofing Contractors Association. Mike was an avid reader with a particular interest in World War II history, and he enjoyed spending time woodworking, landscaping, and building rock walls. In his youth and early adulthood, he was active in the Boy Scouts of America and developed a lifelong love of the outdoors. He especially enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren hiking, boating, and attending their sporting events, including soccer, baseball, dance, and horseback riding.

More than anything, Mike will be remembered for his love of family, his steady presence, and the example he set through his faith, integrity, and quiet strength. He had a great sense of humor and a gift for making people feel better about any situation with his wit—never cruel, always encouraging.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Jewell Bell Cochrane and James Joshua Cochrane; his brother, James R. Cochrane; his grandson, Bailey H. Chesnut; and his son-in-law, Paul Varden.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sherrell Cochrane; his children, Amy Cochrane, Chris Cochrane (Wendy), and Kathleen Cochrane; his grandchildren, William Lacey, Jake Parsons (Mallory), and Alex Cochrane; and his great-granddaughter, Emma Parsons.

A visitation will be held at Southern Heritage Funeral Home on Monday, April 13, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm with a funeral service following at 3:00 pm. A graveside committal will be held after the service at Southern Heritage Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org.