Wayne Cochran

On Sunday, September 27, 2020, Harold “Wayne” Cochran passed away at the age of 85. He was born on November 5, 1934 to Opal and Leonard Cochran in Tomato, Arkansas. He was the younger brother to Edith. Wayne graduated from Sylacauga High School in 1953 and joined the United States Navy. After serving in the Navy he met his wife Theresa (Terry) and they were married on May 20, 1957. Together they had three sons, Harold, Kevin and Lawrence. Wayne graduated from Auburn University in 1961 with a degree in electrical engineering. Wayne loved to watch Auburn football on Saturdays. Shortly after graduating Auburn he moved to Florida and began an over 30 year career as an engineer at NASA. While working at NASA Wayne participated in Gemini, Apollo and Shuttle programs. Wayne spent many years coaching his sons football and baseball teams and was instrumental in the development of the Midget Football League on Merritt Island which was once played on Kiwanis Island. He contributed to the construction of East Merritt Island Little League and its fields. Wayne and his wife Terry were active members of the Moose Lodge #2073, he was a member since 1961. Wayne was one of the original charter members bringing the Moose #2073 to Merritt Island. Following his retirement Wayne and Terry spent time traveling with friends, taking cruises together and playing Bingo at the Moose. He enjoyed genealogy and creating family trees. Wayne embraced technology. He was known for his ability to recall facts, knowledge, and fun trivia facts. He was a very generous man, patient, calm and had a smile that would light up a room. Wayne was preceded in death by his father Leonard, his mother Opal, his sister Edith, and his wife Theresa. He is survived by his son Harold Jr and his partner Cindy, his son Kevin and wife Helen, his son Larry and wife Pam. Grandchildren Troy, Sean, Tina, Kasey, Jack, and Tess , 8 great-grandchildren, and his dear friend Charlotte Ehrlich.

A visitation is scheduled for Sunday, October 4, from 12 noon to 1 pm, followed by a Funeral Service at 1 pm at Wylie-Baxley.