RALPH ELDEN “RALPH THE TIRE MAN” COCKERILL, age 78, of New Holland, passed away on Monday, April 17, 2017 at 3:33 a.m. at the Riverside Methodist Hospital.
He was born on July 1, 1938 in Fayette County to Robert C. and Bernice Miller Cockerill. He was a 1956 graduate of Greenfield McClain High School. Ralph had been self-employed for 57 years in Washington CH. Ralph loved his customers and was known for his charity work to the community. He was the only man around to sell his tires on a lease. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and was active at the Commission on Aging on Elm St. He gave unselfishly towards the Children’s Telethon in Greenfield. He was known for his quick and witty comeback comments. He enjoyed working, taking pictures, and spending time with his family and grandchildren.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; brothers; Bobby Joe Cockerill, and Craig Cockerill; and also two brother-in-laws, Clarence Arnold, and Tom Yeaworth.
Survivors include his wife, Betty Jo Jordan Cockerill, whom he married on December 19, 1960; his children, Sandy (Little Dragon) Little, and Jackie Forster; grandchildren, Cameron J. Forster, and Amanda M. Forster; siblings, Nina J. Arnold, Rosealee Yeaworth, and Eldridge (Joan) Cockerill, and special friend and long time employee, Paul DeSanto. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.
The funeral service will be held on Friday, April 21, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Summers Funeral Home with Danny Dodds officiating with burial to follow at the Cochran Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 4-8 p.m.
Online condolences may be sent to www.summersfuneralhome.com