Carthage, Texas -- Billy Wayne Cockerham of Carthage, Texas passed away peacefully at his home with family by his side on December 13, 2024.
Billy was born November 24, 1949 in Beeville, Texas. He was the oldest of four children born to the marriage of Marjorie Belle Hubbert and William Grady Cockerham. He was raised in Mathis, Texas until the family relocated to Bonham, Texas where he graduated with the Bonham High School Class of 1968.
Billy met and married the love of his life Gail Tadlock in 1972. Billy spent his career as a mechanic for Texas Utilities where he worked until he retired. Billy loved hunting and fishing, working on old cars, coaching youth sports, watching his grandchildrens’ sporting events, and spending time with his family.
He is preceded in death by his parents Marjorie and Grady Cockerham. Billy is survived by his wife of 52 years Gail Cockerham of Carthage; daughter Misty Boyd and husband Steve of Van Alstyne; son Cody Cockerham of Carthage; daughter Melanie Elsaesser and husband Scott of Carthage; four grandchildren whom he adored Abbi Boyd, Caroline and Christina Cockerham, and Levi Elsaesser; brother Mike Cockerham and wife Sherry of Carthage; sisters Carol Ellis and husband Rick of Bonham, and Kathryn Cockerham of Wylie; special family member Pam Cockerham of Carthage; cherished friends Chris Morris, Danny Harris, Ray Moraw, Paul Anzaldua, Brad Bryant, David Westbrook, Robert Barnes, Billy Hannah, Jeff Nichols, and Gene Haney; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, very close friends and his sweet, devoted dog Remi who will miss him dearly.
A memorial visitation will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Hawthorn Funeral Home.
We find comfort in knowing that Billy’s legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever.
Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice in Billy’s name.
Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Hawthorn Funeral Home.
An online guestbook may be signed at: www.hawthornfuneralhome.com
