Stephen Cochran Obituary, Death – Stephen Dorsey Cochran, 68 years old, passed away on Saturday, December 24, 2022, at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. He was a resident of Morganton, Georgia. Dorsey and Edith Cochran welcomed their son Stephen into the world on March 24, 1954 in Blue Ridge, Georgia. At a young age, Stephen joined his father Dorsey at the family business, which was then located in Morganton and was known as Cochran Filling Station and Auto Parts. After that, he followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming an entrepreneur and eventually co-owning and operating a parts store with his brother, Max.
During his senior year of high school, Steve started working with Oscar Henry at the Henry Funeral Home and ambulance service. After completing his studies at Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service, he was able to realize his lifelong goal of working in the funeral industry, which he had set for himself when he was only eight years old. The year 1981 marked the year that Steve and Max became owners of their first funeral home, which was located in Blairsville, Georgia. They continued to expand Cochran Funeral Home locations to surrounding communities so that they could serve families in Hiawassee, Murphy, McCaysville, and Blairsville. Through Cochran Funeral Homes, Steve has provided steadfast assistance to an innumerable number of people when they were at their most helpless.
On October 20, 1974, Steve wed the woman who would become the love of his life, Debra Cochran. Their most significant joint achievement was that they were able to bring up and provide for their three sons. He had many interests, including collecting western boots, going on vacation with his family, and riding golf carts in Myrtle Beach. Steve was the type of person who could excel at anything he set his mind to and enjoyed the process of working on projects. He was a man of extraordinary foresight, and he never stopped keeping an optimistic eye on the future.
Steve was a devout Christian who was of the opinion that attending church regularly should be a requirement for all families. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church in McCaysville, where he also held the position of deacon. He has been of service to the church in a number of different capacities over the years. Steve worked hard to improve the lives of his neighbors by serving in leadership positions within the community, including as president of the Union County Lions Club and as a former Gideon.
Steve was best known for being a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He also had a good reputation in the community. Dorsey Cochran, Stephen’s father, died first, followed by his mother, Edith Cochran, and then his brother, Charlie Cochran. Stephen died first.
His spouse, Debbie Cochran, as well as his sons Josh (married to Brandy), Gabriel (married to Amanda), and David (married to Darlena), are among those who carry on his legacy. Olivia Cochran, Desiree (JC) Diosdado, Calli Reas, and Jennings Poole are his grandchildren who will carry on his legacy after his passing. In addition, he is survived by his brother, Max Cochran, who is married to Tami, as well as his mother-in-law, Doris Hitt, sister-in-law Betty Cochran, brother-in-law Michael Hitt, who is married to Linda, and a number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services are going to be held at First Baptist Church in McCaysville/Copperhill on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at 2:00 p.m., and Dr. David Drake and Rev. Matthew McDaniel are going to be the officiating ministers. After the service, the burial will take place at Crestlawn Cemetery. Pallbearers will be as follows: Josh Cochran, Gabriel Cochran, David Cochran, Eric Smith, Matthew McDaniel, Tony Ledford, and Eric Spalding.
Included on the list of honorary pallbearers are members of the staff at the Cochran Funeral Home, the deacons from the First Baptist Church in McCaysville, the Fannin County Coroner’s Office, Junior Kyle, Dewayne Housley, Tom Eads, Roger McTaggart, Tyler Barker, David Dalton, Jake McTaggart, Carl Steiger, Scott Steiger, Bob Welch, David and Myrna Brooks, Bett On Tuesday, December 27, 2022, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the family will be present at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home to greet and visit with friends. Donations to Gideon’s International can be made in place of flowers if the recipient so desires.