Wayne Cockrell Leaves Family and Church Legacy in North Carolina

Decades of work, family devotion, and church involvement shaped the life of Ransom Wayne Cockrell, a North Carolina resident who died at age 84 in Kenly on Saturday, October 17, 2026. His obituary, published by Joyner's Funeral Home and Crematory on October 19, described a man who regularly helped relatives, friends, and fellow church members.

Cockrell built a long professional career, spending 21½ years at Watson Electric before working another 18 years at Merck Pharmaceutical, according to the funeral home's obituary. Beyond his employment, he was known within his personal and religious communities for providing practical assistance with repairs and everyday needs.

His family also identified time spent together as his greatest source of happiness. His involvement with Wilson First Pentecostal Holiness Church was another defining part of his life, with the obituary highlighting his support for fellow congregants.

Cockrell's celebration of life is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 3 p.m. at the sanctuary of Wilson First Pentecostal Holiness Church, located at 2000 Ruann Drive, Wilson, North Carolina 27893, according to Joyner's Funeral Home and Crematory.

Visitation will take place from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. that day in the church's Family Life Center. A private burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, the funeral home's announcement stated.

The family has requested that memorial contributions be sent to Wilson First Pentecostal Holiness Church at 2000 Ruann Drive, Wilson, North Carolina 27893. The church was identified in the obituary as a central part of Cockrell's community involvement.

Cockrell was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Pansy Holland Cockrell; his brothers Eugene Cockrell and Elton Lee Cockrell; Elton Lee's wife, Jeanette; and his nephew Rodney Cockrell.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Creech Cockrell, and his son, Greg Cockrell, and daughter-in-law, Crystal. His surviving grandchildren include Ashley and Sam, as well as Alex, who is listed with Jessica and their son, Jack, in the obituary.

Other surviving family members include his sister, Shirley Britt, and her husband, David; his brothers Jerry Cockrell and his wife, Jan, and Johnny Cockrell and his wife, Francis; and his sister-in-law Carolyn Cockrell. Numerous nieces, nephews, and friends also survive him, according to the funeral home's notice.