Larry Ray Cochran, 77, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. He drew his last breath on August 30, 2025, with his beloved family by his side.
Larry, the youngest of seven children, was born on August 12, 1948, in Sylacauga, Alabama, to Jessie Vashti Morris Cochran and James Monroe Cochran. Deeply loved by his older siblings, he was often called “Shawiggle” because of his constant wiggling as a child. He spent most of his younger years in the family’s home in Marble Valley, Alabama, before later moving to Sylacauga.
A 1966 graduate of Sylacauga High School, Larry made a memorable connection there when he asked freshman Cindy Veazey to the senior prom. She said “yes” and years later, on September 14, 1974, they would marry in a small ceremony at Larry’s sister’s home in Gardendale. Their 50 years of marriage brought countless memories for their children and grandchildren, filled with family gatherings, beach trips, mountain getaways and days at the lake. Larry was not only a faithful provider but also a steadfast supporter, always encouraging his loved ones and being actively involved in their lives.
In 1971, Larry graduated from Jacksonville State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business. He lived in both Alexander City and Birmingham for a short time, working in real estate and the mortgage industry, before opening a scratch agency with State Farm in Childersburg in 1975. He and Cindy made their home there, and for 34 years Larry served as an Insurance Agent until his retirement due to illness in 2009. Known for his quick wit and love for people, Larry built lifelong friendships with many of his clients, serving them with integrity and dedication.
Larry was a man of many talents and interests, but was most widely known for his ability to make others laugh. His humor, whether through jokes or harmless pranks, filled his home and community with joy. His children and grandchildren all know his jokes by heart, and even in his later years, when Alzheimer’s stole so much from him, Larry never lost his sense of humor. He continued telling those same familiar jokes.
Each fall, Larry eagerly looked forward to Auburn football Saturdays, surrounded by friends and family. His last day was a perfect day for him as Auburn beat Baylor.
Larry is survived by his devoted wife, Cindy Veazey Cochran, and his children, Jamie Cochran (Robin), Ginny Cochran Rutledge (Jon) and Lori Cochran Parris (Josh). He was known as “Poppy” to his 9 grandchildren, Jessica Parris, Sara Jackson Rutledge, Hannah Cochran, Reese Rutledge, Jackson Parris, Jaycee Cochran, Ava Kate Parris, Mae Rutledge and Kade Parris, and great granddaughter, Adalynn Grace Cochran.
Other survivors include his siblings, Juanita Cochran White (George) and Charlotte Cochran Humphrey, along with his sisters-in-law, Sue Davis Cochran and Mindy Veazey, and his brother-in-law, Mike Veazey (Rhonda). Larry is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, James Monroe Cochran and Jessie Vashti Morris Cochran, his brothers, James Edwin Cochran and Harold Wayne Cochran, his sisters, Betty Cochran Stewart and Barbara Cochran Street, his nephews, David Cochran and Billy Stewart and niece, Jamie Sue Cochran Brown.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at First Baptist Church Childersburg, 200 8th Ave SW, Childersburg, AL 35044. The family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m., and the service will begin at 11:00 a.m., with graveside service immediately following at Childersburg City Cemetery, 9th Ave SW, Childersburg, AL.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Larry's memory may be made to Alzheimer's of Central Alabama, P. O. Box 2273, Birmingham, Alabama 35201 US, https://alzca.org/donate-now/; and HudsonAlpha Institute Alzheimer's Research, 601 Genome Way, Huntsville, Alabama 35806 US, https://donate.hudsonalpha.org/campaign/665013/donate.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/sylacauga-al/radney-smith-funeral-home/8516.
Radney-Smith Funeral Home will direct the service.
