Freeman Alvis Cockram

January 13, 1937 - July 08, 2024

Freeman Alvis Cockram, 87, of Floyd, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday July 8, 2024 at home surrounded by his family. He met the love of his life Helen Reed and married her in 1959. They enjoyed 65 years of marriage. He was a dedicated member of the Tuggles Gap Baptist Church for all of his adult life. Freeman and his brother Randolph owned and operated Floyd Farm Service for many years. During that time the band Bluegrass Travelers practiced weekly in the “feed and seed” store. Freeman purchased Conner’s Store next door and renamed it Cockram’s General Store and they started practicing there. They started attracting a crowd and this is how the Friday Nite Jamboree was born. Freeman was well known for his generosity, kindness, selflessness and he never met a stranger. He was preceded in death by his parents: Pearl and Lissie Cockram, five brothers, and two sisters.

Survived by his wife of 65 years: Helen Reed Cockram; one son; David Cockram (Beverly); two daughters: Jeanette Chaffin (Stanley), Lisa Bowman (Mike); five grandchildren: Matthew Cockram, Lauren Cockram (Brandon), Cameron Chaffin (Whitney), Caleb Chaffin (Marlena), Amber Abate (Jonathan); two step-grandchildren: Blane Chaffin (April), Shannon Chaffin (Shannon); several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; four sisters: Corine Belcher, Betty Joyce Hawkes (Ben), Elaine Harris (Randel), Loretta Smith (Carlis).

Funeral Services will be Saturday July 13, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Gardner Funeral Home with Pastor Mike Bowman, Pastor Brian Cockram, and Pastor Roy Turpin officiating. Interment will follow in Lee Cemetery, Tuggles Gap. Family will receive friends Friday July 12, 2024 from 5 until 7 PM at Gardner Funeral Home.

Freeman was a great friend & neighbor for many years. We will truly miss him. He was such a sweet & kind man

My thoughts and prayers are with the family 🙏

Sending our love and prayers to the family of our friend Freeman Cochram.

I work for Freeman for 18 years he was the best boss I ever had. He was kind and always a southern gentleman. He started the Friday night jamboree no one else just freeman he just wanted people to come and enjoy the music and dance. I can’t imagine this world without him. He also did a lot for the town of Floyd. He used to tell me Helen was his rock always supported him. I know he is in Heaven With our Lord. Just remember he started the Friday Night Jamboree.

So very sorry for the loss!! Prayers for comfort & peace! We will meet again one day!! So glad to have met him during a few events & talk with him!!

Dear Jeanette and family. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that you and your family are thought of with love and prayer! May our Jesus give you peace and wonderful memories! Love in Christ,

Y’all are in our thoughts and prayers! We love y’all!!!

Our deepest sympathy for the family. He was a kind man and loved his God.

Sending lot of prayers to such a wonderful family! I grew up right next door in Conner's store with my granddaddy Harvey Conner. We were great store neighbors. I often went next door to see what was going on in the feed store. Freeman was a big hearted wonderful man and let's not forget the jokester side of him. Always had me laughing as a kid and adult. I still stop in the store when I'm in town. I have such fond memories of those days in the store and you'll are in many of them. I always enjoyed seeing Helen and the girls too! Freeman and my Granddaddy are in heaven catching up now and we will see them again. May God Bless you all in the days ahead. I know he will always live in your hearts !

Good friend and neighbor, when we lived at Tuggles Gap.l used to catch a ride with him after basketball practice at school.

Sending Prayers to all the family. Freeman was one of a kind rare man..

Freeman was a very sweet man,he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family.

My condolences to the family. Jeanette and I are friends that have never actually met but I feel as though I know this family like my own. I have heard many stories about Mr Cockram and this wonderful family. I will be in prayer for you all. Lots of love from The Gardner’s

We send our deepest sympathy to your family. We will be praying for each of you.

Freeman leaves a legacy! Many prayers for his family and friends.

In my prayers

In loving memory of Freeman Alvis Cockram, a kind and gentle soul who touched the hearts of many. I met Freeman through my sister, Judy Clark, and was immediately struck by his warmth, respectfulness, and unwavering willingness to help anyone in need. His kindness knew no bounds, and his gentle spirit was a source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew him. Freeman had a unique gift for making those around him feel valued and cared for. His presence was a blessing, and his actions spoke volumes about the depth of his character. He was a truly special soul, one who brought light and love into the lives of many. I will always remember Freeman as a man who found joy in the simple pleasures of life. In my mind’s eye, I see him sitting by a tree, playing his dobro with a serene smile on his face, the music flowing from his fingers as naturally as the breeze through the leaves. It is a peaceful and fitting image of a man who brought so much peace to others. Rest in peace, Freeman Alvis Cockram. Your gentle spirit will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know you. You will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.

Freeman was loved like a brother and I regret that my health won't permit me to be at the funeral today. We worked together in the early days of the Friday Nite Jamboree. May Freeman rest forever in the county he loved.