Robert "Bob" Eugene Cochran

Robert 'Bob' Eugene Cochran, 98, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026, at Rolling Green Village in Greenville, SC, after spending the day surrounded by his family. He was known for his strong voice, steadfast character, and kind and gentle soul.

He was born August 27, 1927, in Murphysboro, IL, the fourth and youngest child of John Archibald Cochran, a coal miner and World War I veteran, and Ruby Leonora (Hart) Cochran, a resourceful homemaker. He graduated from Murphysboro High School in 1945, where he was a football player, basketball player, and pole vaulter.

He met his future wife, Ann Yates, in high school and they were married on December 30, 1944. They were together for more than 81 years and made their home in Pickens, SC for 61 years.

Bob enlisted in the United States Merchant Marine near the end of World War II and served in the South Pacific, bringing American servicemen home from the war.

When Bob was a young man, his father-in-law Cecil Yates helped him get a job as a superintendent at a shoe factory in Portsmouth, OH. Immediately, he displayed the leadership abilities that would serve him well for the rest of his life.

For 35 years he worked for Sangamo Electric Co., which made clocks, electric meters, and capacitors. He first worked at the Ordill Plant near Marion, IL, and subsequently relocated to Pickens, SC, where he oversaw operations as Plant Superintendent at the Pickens and West Union, SC plants. He was also closely involved in the construction of a Sangamo facility in Juarez, Mexico.

Bob was a huge fan of Clemson sports and consistently attended games with his wife and family. He was a long-time season ticket holder for both Clemson football and basketball.

After retiring from Sangamo in 1983, he enjoyed family and community life for many years. He and his wife Ann took extensive road trips all over the country and into Canada. In early retirement he served on the board of directors of Cannon Memorial Hospital in Pickens, including serving as the interim hospital administrator.

One of Bob's great passions was playing tennis, and he had a tennis court built at his house where he hosted weekly tennis doubles matches for decades. In addition to tennis, Bob loved playing golf, bowling, and ping pong, which he picked up during his time in the Merchant Marine.

Bob was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Pickens, where he sang in the choir, including solos. He served on the Treasury Committee and the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee.

He loved classic Westerns, especially Gunsmoke and Western films, along with Louis L’Amour novels and the music of Jim Reeves and Eddy Arnold.

In retirement, he returned to his early hobby of woodworking. He set up a shop of his own, where he made furniture, and other practical and decorative creations.

With his wife Ann, their home served as the focal point of wonderful gatherings for six generations of family.

Survivors include his wife, Ann; children Robert Cochran II of Atascadero, CA, Sue Harrington of Huntersville, NC, and Kathy (Ron) Grant of Simpsonville, SC; grandchildren Paul Harrington of Huntersville, NC, Jeff (Colleen) Grant of Pickens, SC, Jill Ashton of Huntersville, NC, John Grant (Alina Lotstein) of Mars Hill, NC, and Karen Gouveia of Granada Hills, CA; great-grandchildren Blake (Kristin) Harrington, David McCall, Cameron Harrington, Mark Ashton, Stuart Grant, and Sylvie Grant; and great-great-grandchild Charlie Harrington.

Bob was predeceased by his parents; his brother Myron Cochran; his sisters Doris Kelsey and Mary Kelsey; and his son's wife, Aurora 'Irene' Cochran.

A private service will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Pickens, SC. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you donate in memory of Robert E. Cochran to Cannon Memorial Hospital Foundation at P.O. Box 1282, Pickens, SC 29671.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.