Julian Morton Cocke

Julian Morton Cocke, 54, of Wilmington, died peacefully Friday, February 15, 2008, at the home of his mother, Agnes “Aggie” Morton Woodruff, on Hewlett’s Creek, following a courageous battle with cancer. Julian was born January 11, 1954 in Charlotte, NC, son of Aggie Woodruff and the late William Booth Cocke. In 1959, his family relocated to Wilmington, NC. Julian was a 1972 graduate of Hoggard High School. He was co-owner of Lanier Marine in Wilmington for a number of years, and also raced boats during this time. Until his illness, he spent many hours working on boats and motors for his friends. In 1975, Julian learned to fly, and in the early 80’s, worked for Sunbird Airlines in Charlotte, NC. In 1984, he was hired by Piedmont Airlines, and was a captain with US Airways, flying the Boeing 737 until his illness in 2006. In addition to his love for flying, Julian enjoyed snow skiing, biking, and especially, boating on the waters around Wrightsville Beach with his many friends and family. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his daughter, Catherine McKay Cocke of Wilmington; stepfather, Louis Frank Woodruff of Wilmington; brother, William “Bill” Booth Cocke, Jr. and wife, Bonnie, of Linville, NC; sister, Mary Cocke Greene and husband, Jay, of Newland, NC; stepbrother, Harry Paul Mayer and wife, Melanie, of Wilmington; nephews, William Mackay Cocke and wife, Amy, Robert MacNaughton Cocke and wife, Rachel, Julian Benfield, and John Benfield; nieces, Elizabeth Cocke Fingar and husband, Tad, and Scottie Benfield Hazelgrove; and special friends, Cathy Goodson, Cyndi Holding, and Missy Pucillo. The family will receive friends from 6pm to 8pm Monday, February 18, 2008, at Andrews Market Street Chapel. A funeral service will be 11am Tuesday, February 19, 2008, at St. James Episcopal Church. Interment will follow in Oakdale Cemetery. Pallbearers assisting with the service are Mike Ingram, Randall King, Harry Mayer, Hilton Newman, Lou Pucillo, and Tommy Woodard. Honorary pallbearers are John Alexius, Eddie Blake, Bobby Moore, John Newell, and Hayes Perry. Julian was a kind and gentle man that loved life, and to those who knew and loved him, he will be greatly missed. The family would like to thank Lower Cape Fear Hospice for their kindness and support over the last few weeks. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Julian’s memory to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 2222 South 17th Street, Wilmington, NC 28401.