Clarence Edwin Cockrell III

Ed was born on June 22, 1953, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Clarence Edwin Cockrell Jr. and Katherine Kemp Cockrell.

Ed shared 50 wonderful years of marriage with his wife, Jacquelyn “Jackie” Shaw Cockrell. The two were married on March 16, 1976, and built a life centered around family, love, laughter, and simply enjoying one another’s company. One of Ed’s favorite things was sitting outside with Jackie, drinking coffee together while listening to the waterfall.

Ed began his career as an electrician and became a respected teacher in the electrical trade through Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). He later ran an ABC school in St. Rose, Louisiana, helping educate and prepare future electricians for their careers. Throughout his professional life, Ed wore many hats, including roles in project management, safety, and human resources. He held an electrical license in the State of Louisiana and also contributed to the development of electrical code materials. His knowledge, experience, and willingness to teach and help others left a lasting impact on many people throughout his career.

Outside of work, Ed loved LSU sports, bowling, fishing, and spending time with his family. He especially loved spoiling his grandchildren. Ed had a heart for helping others and was the kind of person people could count on. Those who knew him often described him simply as a great guy who made a difference in their lives.

Ed also had a wonderful sense of humor and loved picking on just about everybody. His teasing, laughter, and personality were a big part of who he was and will be deeply missed by those who loved him.

Ed was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and dementia approximately eight years ago. He fought the disease with strength and determination for as long as he could. On July 28, 2026, the family received the unexpected diagnosis of Stage IV epithelioid peritoneal mesothelioma. Ed returned home under hospice care, allowing him to spend his final days where he wanted to be—at home, surrounded by his family.

Ed is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Jacquelyn “Jackie” Shaw Cockrell; his only daughter, Laura Pirello Rigsby and her husband, Brent Rigsby; his grandchildren, Tyler Pirello and Megan Pirello, and their father, Simon Pirello; and his sister, Elizabeth Cockrell Vick.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Edwin Cockrell Jr. and Katherine Kemp Cockrell; his parents-in-law, Herbert “Cush” Shaw and Estelle Shaw; his brothers-in-law, Jay Vick and Lamar Rhodes; his niece, Kimberly Sanchez Johnson; and his nephew, Anthony Shaw Gallo.

More than anything, Ed will be remembered for his love of family, his willingness to help others, the knowledge he passed on throughout his career, and the laughter he brought into the lives of those around him. His family will especially cherish the simple moments—the LSU games, fishing, bowling, his constant picking and joking, spoiling his grandchildren, and those quiet mornings sitting outside with Jackie over a cup of coffee.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at St. John’s United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., followed by the Celebration of Life Service at 12:00 p.m. A reception will follow at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in Ed’s name to the Parkinson’s Foundation or St. John’s United Methodist Church.

Ed’s life touched many people, and the love, lessons, laughter, and memories he leaves behind will continue to live on through his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.