LTC (Ret) William Shaler Cockrell

William Shaler Cockrell, 70 of Princeton, WV, passed away Tuesday, September 22, 2020, at Princeton Community Hospital.

Born February 23, 1950, in Charleston, he was the son of the late Robert H. & Pauline Roush Cockrell.

He lived in Eleanor for his first six years, then the family moved to Parkersburg.

Bill was a member of the first graduating class at Parkersburg South High School in 1968. He married his high school sweetheart Myra in 1971. Bill graduated from WVU in 1972. He was commissioned into the U.S. Army where he proudly served 20 plus years, moving 13 times in those twenty years, and retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.

In 1993, he moved to Princeton where he became the Director of the Mercer County JROTC program and served for 6 years.

He was a faithful member of Johnston Chapel Baptist Church. Bill was a devout family man. He loved to coach his kid’s sports, especially basketball which he continued to coach at the High School level.

Although he battled with many health concerns starting in 1999, he spent his life celebrating his love of God, family and WVU sports with his wife, kids, grandkids, and extended family.

Survivors include his loving and devoted wife, Myra Cockrell, two children Bo Cockrell, Jennifer Tucker & husband Jeremy. Three precious grandchildren Jordin Tucker, Jade Tucker & Sydney Cockrell. One great grandchild Shaler Bennett. His brother Bob Cockrell & wife Sue.

Services to celebrate the life of LTC (Ret) William S. Cockrell will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, September 29, 2020, at Johnston Chapel Baptist Church on Halls Ridge Road near Princeton with Pastor’s Dan Thyng & Jim Simmons officiating.

Following his service, he will be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA with military honors given under the direction of the U.S. Army at the appointed time and day.

Friends may visit with the family Tuesday from noon until the service hour at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the Johnston Chapel Baptist Church Go Fund Me site at http://www.johnstonchapel.org/online-giving/.