John Presley Cochran

John grew up in East Point and entered the ROTC in high school. John continued with ROTC at Georgia Tech, where he graduated in 1952 with a degree in Industrial Management and an officer’s commission in the United States Air Force. John served in Korea during the Korean Conflict, rising to the rank of Captain.

On October 22, 1955, he married Betty Jo Short and they relocated to Miami, Florida in 1958. John and Betty had three children and lived in multiple cities in Florida as John progressed with Sinclair Oil Company. In 1972, John accepted a position with the State of Florida and the family moved to Tallahassee. John spent the rest of his career with the Department of Business Regulation, ending as the Director of Finance. John and Betty retired and spent several enjoyable years designing and constructing their dream home in the mountains of western North Carolina.

Countless happy memories with children and grandchildren were made in that home and John and Betty spent many nights on the porch, enjoying one another’s company and the sights of the mountains. John loved music and taught himself to play the guitar and piano. He never met a stranger and was always ready to make a new friend.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Betty; sons, Chris (Suzy) and Greg; daughter, Kelly (Frederick) and 5 grandchildren; Elizabeth, Camille, John, Seth and Ian. He is also survived by his older brother Bud. John’s legacy will live on in the hearts and memories of all those whose lives he touched.

Join his family for a tribute to his life including Military honors to be held at Tallahassee National Cemetery on Tuesday, February 19th at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home at 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to American Patriot Service Corp or Big Bend Hospice of Tallahassee.