J. Cochran, Jr.

"1924 – 2016" Clyde – John Robert "J. R." Cochran, Jr., 91, passed away on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at The Homestead. A native of Jackson County, he was a son of the late John Robert Cochran, Sr. and Lucy Zachary Cochran. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Robinson Cochran of 66 years; a brother, James Zachery Cochran; and his oldest son, Bobby Cochran. J. R. lived most of his life in Haywood County, where he graduated from Canton High School in 1942. He went on to attend college at Clemson University. While attending Clemson, he was drafted and joined the United States Marine Corps in 1943 where he attained the rank of Sergeant in the Air Corps as a waist gunner, radio, and radar operator. J. R. flew 57 missions in B-25 over Japanese territory and later received three battle stars and other medals for his part in helping to consolidate the Northern Solomon Islands. J. R. was a business man in Canton for many years having started Canton Woodworking Shop in 1947 and also was a building contractor and developer. He also owned and operated Quality Hardware and Lumber Company. J. R. was a past president of Canton Lions Club and a member of Clyde First Baptist Church. He is survived by a son, Gary Cochran and wife, Sylvia; and two grandchildren, Jeff Cochran and wife, Misty, and Melanie Cochran all of Clyde. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 5, 2016 in the Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with the Reverend Dr. T. David Phillips officiating. Burial will follow at Bon-A-Venture Cemetery in Clyde. The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Haywood Health Care Foundation, c/o The Homestead, 127 Sunset Ridge Road, Clyde, NC 28721.

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