Ranny Lee Cockrell went home to be with the Lord on September 14, 2021, at the age of 83. He was a devoted husband of 64 years, 149 days. During his life his love for his family was constant and unshakeable. The most important theme throughout his life was his devotion to God, his unwavering faith and spreading the love of Christ to others. His deep, abiding relationship with Christ showed in his integrity and in his care for people.
Ranny was born to Davis and Fannye Cockrell on March 3, 1938, in Louisville, Mississippi. Ranny met the love of his life and soul mate, Mary Elizabeth Bodden, in 1955 while attending high school in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. They eloped in 1957 and went on to have 2 children, Ranny Bodden and Dierk “Lane.” They made Mobile, Alabama their home in 1964 when he was transferred as a supervisor with Pak-A-Sak.
Ranny, Mary and his boys were active members of Sage Avenue Baptist church, where he served as chairman of the deacons, was a zealous worker with the youth and married young adults, a member of various church committees and coached men’s softball for a number of years. It was after much prayer that he surrendered to God’s call and became a member of the church staff in 1986 as the Minister of Youth and Activities. He retired 19 years later and upon retirement was serving as the Senior Adult Minister and Church Administrator. He was known for serving others, giving of his time and love, visiting the sick and grieving, helping those in need and sharing God’s amazing grace.
Ranny loved his family beyond belief. He attended thousands of ball games for his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids and was their biggest fan. He loved taking family vacations and game nights. He loved a good practical joke and listening to southern gospel music. He spent his free time loving on and spoiling his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The impact he made in his family’s life is immeasurable. He taught them how to selflessly give to those in need, how to love others and how to serve the Lord. The example he made as a husband, father, grandfather and man of God is a precedent that will live on through his family. His passing leaves a void that nothing will be able to fill, but comfort is found in the assurance that he is worshiping at the feet of the Savior he served so well.
Ranny joins his parents, his brother Larry, his sister Rita, and 2 grandsons – Austin Lane and John Gregory, in Heaven. His is survived by his wife, Mary, his 2 sons, Ranny (Christie) and Lane (Karen), his 12 grandchildren: Brandon Cockrell (Katie), Chase Cockrell (Sarah), Jamie Capezza (Pete), Trey Cockrell (Erica), Lee Cockrell (Kelsey Smith – future granddaughter-in-law), Clay Cockrell (Kristen), Jacob Cockrell, Benjamin Cockrell, Joseph Cockrell, Ranny L. Cockrell, Johnny Cockrell and Mary Cockrell; and his 10 great-grandchildren: Penny Lane Cockrell, T. J. Cockrell, Sydney Cockrell, Emmy Cockrell, Cooper Capezza, Ava Cockrell, Hayes Cockrell, Miles Capezza, Georgia Faye Cockrell, & Cody Cockrell.
March 3, 1938 – September 14, 2021
Services will be held at Mobile Memorial Gardens Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 25th, at Cottage Hill Baptist Church at 9:00 AM until service time at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
