L. L. "Buddy" Cockrell

L.L. “Buddy” Cockrell, 76, of WindsorMeade in Williamsburg, VA passed away unexpectedly at his home on October 11, 2026. Born in Hampton, VA on December 15, 1949, he was preceded in death by his father, Laverne Laughton Cockrell, Sr.; mother, Ella Mae Diehl Cockrell; and daughter, Kelly. He was also preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, Carl Thompson, Jr., and Gus Best.

Buddy attended Hampton Roads Academy, Hampton High School, and Christopher Newport University before joining the Air Force from June 1969 to March 1973. During his service, he was a Missile Electrical Equipment Specialist and Instructor.

Buddy was also the Co-Founder, President, Executive Director, and mentor of RPC Industries, Inc. and JACKCRETE. During his career, Buddy always prioritized the success of the entire polyurethanes industry in addition to his business. For the betterment of many, he served as the founding Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Polyurethane Foam Contractors Division of the Society of the Plastics Industry (‘86-‘87), presented at the Polyurethanes World Congress in Aachen, Germany (‘87), testified before the United States Congress Committee in Washington, DC (’87), served as the SPI Elastomeric Coating Committee Chairman (’89-’91), held the Treasurer position on the Executive Committee of the Sprayed Polyurethane Foam Alliance for nearly a decade, and participated in research projects with NIOSH and OSHA leading to worker safety advancements.

He was a member of the Williamsburg United Methodist Church and the WindsorMeade Residents’ Council.

Buddy loved spending time with friends and family at Lake Gaston, North Carolina, especially when he could be out on the water boating. He treasured time with Brenda, his beloved wife of 45 years, and walks and naps with Cody. He loved traveling with family, friends, and Gerry’s travel group. With Brenda by his side, he explored all seven continents and collected rocks from all over the world. Buddy loved bourbon and the friends he toasted. He found great delight in being the WindsorMeade Santa Clause for the last two years. Buddy especially loved watching his nieces and nephews grow up.

In addition to his cherished wife, Brenda Austin Cockrell, Buddy is survived by his sister, Margaret Thompson Best; several nieces and nephews, Tracy (Don) Patty, Carl (Jennifer) Thompson III, Leslie (Robert) LaBelle, Brian Patty, Caden and Lucy LaBelle, Tony (Doris) Sellers, Kim Orr, and Vicky McCuen; and sisters-in-law, Betty Sellers and Barbara Orr. He also adored his triplet godchildren, Gary, Ashley, and Kimberly.

Over the years, Buddy and Brenda have cultivated many treasured friendships including Bryan, Maria, Liam, Brayden, and Violet Heldreth; the Kingsmill neighborhood friends known as the “Usual Suspects” (Buddy & Brenda, Ron & Ann, Gus & Marge, Al & Rose, Bob & Susanne); and the WindsorMeade family and team members. Buddy will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and professional colleagues.

A memorial service will be held at Williamsburg United Methodist Church, 500 Jamestown Rd, Williamsburg, VA at a date still to be determined.

A celebration of life will be held at WindsorMeade in early 2027 with details announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. He found great joy in helping others, and a gift to a cause close to your heart would be a fitting tribute to his generous spirit.