Ray Cockerell

Ray Grafton Cockerell , 62, of Abilene, Texas passed away quietly on July 20, 2021 at home.

Ray was born on June 2, 1959 in Houston, TX to Dr. Earl Grafton (E.G.) Cockerell and Janell Jefferies Cockerell. The family returned to Abilene in 1961 where E.G. joined his father, Dr. E.R. Cockerell in Dermatology practice. Ray and his three brothers, Clay, Jay, and Tray all graduated from Cooper High School. Ray owned Big Country Insurance Agency for over 31 years. Ray had a strong faith in God and was a longtime member of St. Paul United Methodist Church.

Most of all, Ray was a family man and dearly loved his girls, Kailey and Kelsey. Ray enjoyed nothing more than family time and socializing. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and loved to hunt. Ray was known to be quick-witted and had a mind like a steel trap. He loved music and was practically a walking music encyclopedia. Ray had a magnetic personality, a mischievous grin, and a contagious snicker-like laugh. Ray always had a beloved dog as a companion and his love for animals was unmatched. During his lifetime, he made many, many friends who will miss him.

Ray was preceded in death by his father Dr. E.G. Cockerell, his mother Janell Cockerell, and his brother Jay Cockerell. Survivors include his two children Kailey Cockerell of Abilene and Kelsey Cockerell of New Orleans, Louisiana; his two brothers, Dr. Clay Cockerell and wife Brenda and Tray Cockerell and wife Susan both of Dallas; the mother of his children, Karen Lisman of Abilene and numerous nieces and nephews. Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Harris P. “Pete” Wells III, Vic Vaughan, James F. Lail, Jeff Eckard, Trevor Neighbors, and Brian Neighbors will serve as pallbearers.

A visitation will be held on Monday, July 26, 2021 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 U.S. HWY 277 S., Abilene, TX 79606. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow the service at Elmwood Memorial Park.