Robert Cocker

Bob lived in Willoughby Hills, Ohio until his teenage years when his family moved to Gastonia, NC. He graduated from Hunter Huss High School (1973) and attended Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. After college, he worked in the insurance industry for many years before changing careers and joining FedEx. He enjoyed delivering packages but most of all, he loved meeting new people. After working for more than twenty years in the Gastonia, NC and Myrtle Beach, SC areas, he retired from FedEx.

Even though Bob was retired, he stayed very busy humbly helping the veteran community, including homeless veterans. He was a proud Christian, American, and forever thankful for all servicemen and women. He often enjoyed karaoke and thrifting where he loved finding things others no longer wanted and repurposing them. He was an avid, devoted and passionate fan of the Duke Blue Devils, Ohio State Buckeyes, and Cleveland Browns. Bob was one-of-a-kind and always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. He was a gentle and caring man with a heart of pure gold. He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed, but forever remembered, by all who loved him.

Surviving are his brother, Kenneth Cocker (Rosemarie) of Melbourne, FL, sister, Kathy Sosebee (Monty) of Gastonia, NC; sons, Brian Cocker (Ashley) of Bessemer City, NC and Chris Cocker (Jessica) of Holden Beach, NC; grandchildren, Lucas Cocker of Bessemer City, NC and McKenlie Cocker, Zechariah Cocker, Raegan Cocker, and Abigail Cocker all of Holden Beach, NC. Also surviving Bob are his nieces and nephew, Monica Gibson (Rob) of Belmont, NC, Katie Parrino (Joey) of Melbourne, FL and Joel Cocker (Carrianne) of Wendell, NC.

The family will be receiving friends on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 1-1:45pm in the chapel of Carothers Funeral Home, Gastonia, NC. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Veterans Welcome Home Resource Center in Little River, SC.