Tuesday, February 14, 2017 10:30 am

Russell Dean Cockrell, age 83, of Rocky Mount, passed away on Monday, February 13, 2017. Born in Nash County on February 11, 1934, he was the son of the late Russell C. and Gladys Mae Deans Cockrell. He was also preceded in death by his two brothers, Harold Lee Cockrell and Douglas T. Cockrell; and two sisters, Alipia Odessa Faircloth and Betty Jane Page.

He is survived by his wife, Peggy Joyner Cockrell; brothers, Bennett Carlton Cockrell of Rocky Mount and Waylon G. Cockrell of Raleigh; and sisters, Dorothy Irene Brantley of Rocky Mount and Victoria Ann Collins of Rocky Mount; sister-in-law, Julia Bissette of Nashville; brother-in-law, Dr. Marvin Ray Joyner and wife, Carolyn, of Sanford; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 17, 2017 at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Pastor Mary Harris Todd officiating. Burial will follow at Mill Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives on Thursday, February 16, 2017 from 6:30 -8:30 p.m. at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Memorials may be made to Morton Memorial Presbyterian Church, 6605 West Mount Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27803, however, flowers will be accepted.

Arrangements by Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Rocky Mount.