GLEBE POINT—Edward D, Cockrell Sr., affectionately known as Billy Buck, at the age of 88 went west into the sunset on April 16, 2019, to be forever with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Born to Dewey and Mary Cockrell, he was a lifetime resident of Glebe Point and a 1947 graduate of Wicomico High School.
In Billy Buck’s own words, “I started flying at the age of 15, flew solo at 16, and got my private pilot’s license at 17. From 1947 to 1954, I served in the National Guard and U.S. Navy as a Seabee. Upon returning home in 1954 and after obtaining my commercial license, I began flying for Menhaden Products (Smith Factory) in Lewes, Del. My first airplane was a 1946 PA 12 Super Cruiser. When visibility was 2 to 3 miles, I would fly the sun beam back to shore since the sun goes down in the west.
“From 1955 to 1963, I flew the Chesapeake Bay with Menhaden Co., Joe Jett factory in Fairport. In 1962, I bought a PA 18 Cub. In 1964, I flew for Reedville Oil and Guano Company in Reedville and in 1965 for Standard Products of Fairport. In 1966, with my brother Orvin, we bought the fishing vessel Pluck from Joe Jett. We caught menhaden with the standard menhaden boat with power blocks, then froze the bait fish to sell to the crabbers on the Chesapeake Bay.
“I spotted fish in my new 1966 Cessna Sky Hawk for Cockrell’s Ice and Seafood Co. in Reedville until 1969.”
Billy Buck was a hard worker, loyal friend, passionate advocate of his beliefs, patriot, brother, father and loving husband.
He will forever be remembered by his wife of 14 years, Marion; son, Edward “Eddie” Cockrell Jr. (Janet); stepson, Thomas S. Harris Jr. (Heather); stepdaughters, Christy Brown and Stephanie Albright (Jason); 11 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Orvin Cockrell; sisters, Phyllis Dameron and Cynthia Braun; and many nephews; nieces; and cousins.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Billy Buck will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at Fairport Baptist Church, 2395 Fairport Road, Reedville. A reception will immediately follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fairport Baptist Church.
