David Reece Cockman

Born on October 27, 1928 in Greensboro, North Carolina, David grew up in Randleman and Thomasville the son of a Wesleyan minister. He lived in several towns across North Carolina following his father’s ministry. After graduating Thomasville High School at the age of 16, he attended Catawba College in Salisbury. In June 1947 he began an 18 month stint in the United States Army serving as sports editor of the Eighth Army Daily Octogram in Yokohama, Japan. After duty, David graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with an AB in Radio-Motion Pictures, & Television and spent four years in radio with WTNC in Thomasville. He officially scored an exhibition game between the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Athletics of which the great Ted Williams was a participant.

David married Charlotte Webster, the wind beneath his wings, on August 28th, 1954 and began law school at UNC three weeks thereafter. He commuted to Chapel Hill for classes while maintaining full-time employment at a Burlington radio station. He received his law degree in 1957.

That same year began his legal career with the late Judge Franklin T. Dupree Jr. and the late G. Earl Weaver. Within three years, his work ethic and successes elevated him to the level of partner in the firm. After Frank Dupree was appointed to the federal bench by President Nixon, David formed the firm of Cockman, Alvis, Akins, and Aldridge. Jack Davis, who still has an active practice in Raleigh, later became a member. After the firm amicably dissolved, he practiced on his own for 25+ years. He concluded his formal career with Vann Attorneys in an ‘of counsel’ capacity. In June of 2010, he was elected for membership in the North Carolina Bar Association’s General Practice Hall of Fame. This was one of his proudest achievements.

For more than 64 years, David was a lawyer engaged in the general practice of law and a counselor to many. He maintained all his credentials right up to his passing. Throughout his career, he regularly delivered legal services for reduced or no fees. He represented women during abusive divorces on a pro bono basis saying that he could not sleep at night knowing he was taking money from these cases, knowing it was needed for food and shelter for mothers and their children. For his less fortunate clients he often received pies or cakes as compensation for his services. He assisted quite a few clients by serving as trustee for children and those with physical and mental challenges. Many of these people considered him an extended family member.

One particularly notable case involves his representation of the Chemical Institute of Toxicology during the early days of environmental law. The landmark case related to issues with the construction of clean rooms at a facility in Research Triangle Park. David told this story with great pride as he faced several other firms. The opposing council consisted of some of the local legends of the Wake County Bar. He faced them alone.

During the lengthy trial David would try the case during the day, meet with expert witnesses over dinner, research case law into the evening, and address his other clients needs during the wee hours of the next day. Through all this he still managed to carve out time for his wife Charlotte and son, Reece. This pace lasted several months and when the verdict was read, he prevailed.

Another of his more memorable cases involved the alleged trespass of an old hound dog on the virtue of a prized female bird dog. He even escorted his client, “Old Tom” to the courtroom for “testimony”.

While David lived and breathed the law, he was also active in the Wake County Chapter of the American Red Cross, serving as Chapter Chair for three years. He served as Area Governor of Toastmasters International and held many offices in the Raleigh Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and was President of the North Carolina State Elks Association. He was honored with the Thad Eure Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor given by that association. David also was a member of the Raleigh Jaycees, American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

David dearly loved to travel and did so with Charlotte to many different countries and US states over the course of their marriage. He loved people and enjoyed many long-term relationships with friends and neighbors. Never threaten him with having a good time. He was insightful, generous, and always ready to tell a story. He was always on the look-out for someone he could help better their situation. He will be missed by many.

David was predeceased by his beloved wife, Charlotte, his parents Rev. Walter Lee Cockman and wife, Frances “Jean”, and his brother Paul D. Cockman. He is survived by his son, D. Reece Cockman, Jr. and two grandsons, Colton and David, as well as his sisters Ruth Callicutt and Rachel Trull, and his sister-in-law Helen Cockman. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews of which he enjoyed “favorite Uncle” status.

The family would like to especially thank Gayle Queen, his long-time legal assistant, confidant, and dear friend, Sheila Underwood, devoted care nurse and friend who followed him wherever he resided, the staff at The Cardinal of North Hills, and the staff at Hillcrest Raleigh, his final place of residence.

Arrangements are through Brown-Wynne on Millbrook Rd. in Raleigh. A Celebration of Life will take place Monday, February 28th at 11:00 am with visitation after.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Elks National Foundation, www.elks.org/enf/onlinegiving.cfm or the Carteret County Domestic Violence Program,

www.carteretdomesticviolence.com/donations/.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownwynneeastmillbrook.com for the Cockman family.