Rufus C. “Micky” Cochran died peacefully in his home Aug. 5, 2021.
He was born Oct. 10, 1940, in Radford, the son of William E. and Alice V. (Fisher) Cochran. Rufus
graduated from Radford High School and then entered the Army. Later in life he obtained his bachelor’s
degree from Oakland College.
Rufus married the love of his life, Janice B. (Surface) Cochran, on Nov. 11, 1961. They would have
celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year. They traveled to many different states during his
military career but settled in Indiana when Rufus started working for Indiana Bell. After his retirement in
1996, Rufus and Janice returned to Virginia and built a home in Pearisburg.
In addition to his parents, Rufus was preceded in death by a sister, Sarah Elizabeth Cochran, and a
brother, Lewis Kent Cochran. Surviving in addition to his wife are sons Rufus C. Cochran, Jr., and his
wife Marci of Anderson Ind., and Matthew A. Cochran and his partner Ernestine of Kent., daughter
Marquise L Francis and her husband Dale of Pearisburg; five grandchildren, Rufus C. Cochran III, Lewis
K. Cochran, Griffin E. Spears, Taylor Mitchell, and Alekzandr Cochran; brothers William E. Cochran of
Maryland and Philip Colin Cochran and his wife Dorothy of Radford; and many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service was held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 11 at Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery
in Dublin. Those who wish to remember Rufus may send gifts, cards, or flowers to Janice B. Cochran c/o
Commonwealth Senior Living 7486 Lee Hwy. Radford, VA 24141.
Arrangements made by McCoy Funeral Home 150 Country Club Drive SW, Blacksburg, Va.
