Fred Edward Cockerham

Fred Edward Cockerham (Willie), 70, peacefully  passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at his home with his wife by his side.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00PM PM Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Liberty Wesleyan Church, 15303 US Hwy 158 E, Summerfield, NC with Pastor Danny Janes and Pastor Steven Mayhan officiating. The family will see friends one hour prior to the service from 1:00 til 1:45 at the church. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery.

Willie was born June 19, 1952 to the late Dick and Minnie Lucy Roberts Cockerham in McLeansville, N.C. He served our country in the US Army and spent most of his adult life working in the textile business. He retired from Global Textile Alliance in Reidsville. To say he was an AVID #1 Carolina Tarheel fan was an understatement. He yelled for his heels so loud, I know they had to hear him wherever they were playing. He also loved to watch NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt, Sr, race. When Dale died, He grieved for him like he would a family member. He also loved the New York Yankees. He never got to see them play in person, but he hardly ever missed a game and loudly cheered them on. Over the years Willie made many friends playing softball, a sport that he really enjoyed playing. Willie learned how to work on small engines and really enjoyed helping people by fixing their lawnmowers, tillers etc. He and his best friend Billy Davis decided they would build a go cart motor and spent many weekends at the track watching their car participate. Willie loved fishing with family and friends, His love for fishing began at an early age and even when his health started to decline he wished he could still go fishing. The many fishing stories he has told will never be forgotten. He enjoyed planting a garden, working it, watching it grow, harvesting and sharing. He loved Bluegrass music and old country music. He enjoyed going to festivals and playing his harmonicas with other musicians around the campfire after all the shows were finished for the night.  One of his and his families greatest loves was playing horseshoes. The junk talked and laughter made there was never a dull moment at the pits.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents, a twin brother, other brothers Jim, John Henry, Rex, Jack and Don Cockerham; sisters Betty Jones, Linda Hege and Margaret Hege.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Pamela Sue; stepchildren Heath (Jennifer) of Concord, Mandy (Adam) of Reidsville, Allen of Stokesdale and Cody of the home; and his 4 legged child Remi-Grace; brother Robert Cockerham(Jane) of Sanford; sisters-in-law Patricia Cockerham of Lexington and Doris Cockerham of Greensboro; his precious grandchildren whom he adored Grayson(Lil Buddy), Tanner(Lil Man) of Concord and Andrew( Boogie), Abby(Sissy) and Austin(Lil Bit) of Reidsville; brothers-in-law Marty Stone (Peggy) of Sophia and Melvin Stone of Summerfield and a host of nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

 Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Rockingham County, Liberty Wesleyan Church or Rolling Ridge Riding Therapy for Special Needs Children.

Being a #1 Tar Heel Fan, anyone wishing to wear Carolina Blue for the funeral services will be most welcomed.

Wilkerson Funeral Home is assisting the family.