SILER CITY, N.C. — Ray Neal Cockrum, 88, of Siler City, went home to be with his Lord and savior on Sunday, February 11th, 2024.

He was born in Mississippi County, AR, on March 28^th, 1935, to Albert Lee Cockrum and Addie Keel Cockrum. He is preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Loren Cockrum of California, George W. Cockrum of Oregon, Hubert Cockrum of Oregon, Ted Cockrum of Oklahoma, and Joe Cockrum of California; six sisters, Geraldine Jackson of Arkansas, Bessie Phillips of Arkansas, Reba Evans of Arkansas, Phyllis Neinhaus of Washington State, Wilma Stinnett of California, and Eula Lambert of Illinois.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Rebecca Bunger Cockrum; two sons, Danny Ray Cockrum of Chrisney, IN and James P. Cockrum of Siler City; two daughters, Wanda Young of Rockport, IN, and Carol Caldwell of Grandview, IN.  He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.  

Ray loved and enjoyed the simple things, loved his family, making candles, and camping and traveling. He was a very humble man and had a lot of love and respect for his mother-in-law, Laura Bunger. Ray worked for various textile mills including Caron International Yarn in Rochelle, IL, London, KY, and Siler City, NC. Ray also served in the United States Army.

A memorial graveside will be held at a later date in Rochelle, Illinois.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Western Chatham Food Bank, PO Box 254, Siler City, NC 27344.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is serving the Cockrum family.

Online Condolences may be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com