John L. Cocke, 85, of Rincon, Georgia passed away in his sleep at home with family on Tuesday, January 31, 2023. He lived with Parkinson’s for the final years of his life. If you were lucky enough to know John, then you know he was a true Southern gentleman, always the gracious host, filling any room loudly with laughter while quietly demanding respect. It won’t surprise you to learn that these traits never wavered. He battled the disease with relentless courage, strength, and dignity.

The youngest of four children and native of Savannah, John was born on September 16, 1937 to Andrew B. Cocke, Sr. and Grace Timpore Cocke, the first female to own and operate a trucking company with intrastate authority in the state of Georgia. Upon graduation from Benedictine Military School in 1955, John followed in his mother’s footsteps and eventually founded Cocke Brothers Transportation in 1979. The Cocke family has serviced the Georgia Port Authority since 1952 and  the legacy lives on through his son, David, a third-generation owner and co-owner of Alphaco Logistics. John was a mentor to many in the industry and took great pride in the knowledge that several of his former employees went on to run successful trucking companies of their own. John was a former president of the Savannah Traffic Club, a Savannah Jaycee, and a member of the National Association of Small Trucking Companies.

John knew how to “work hard, play hard” and had the battle scars to prove it. John enjoyed many adventures and cruises with his wife, including one where he danced himself right off the stage. Always an athlete, John shared his lifelong love of sports with his son at a young age as a little league coach, and went on to become his biggest fan, never missing a game. John cherished his golf outings with friends, and they can now rest easily knowing that, as a believer in Christ, John is in Heaven where he can finally achieve his perfect putt.

John was predeceased by his parents; siblings, Kathryn Mixson, Andrew Cocke, Jr., William “Bill” Cocke; and daughters, Lisa Newsome and Leslie Cocke.

John is survived by his wife of 51 years, Judy, and his son, W. “David” Cocke (Heather); stepson R. “Allen” Lord (Ashley); 6 grandchildren, Ali, Hootie, Katie, Taylor, Madison, and Ryleigh; 3 great grandchildren, Drayton, Kingston, and Gracelyn; and a number of step grandchildren, nieces,  and nephews.

Arrangements were provided by Thomas C. Strickland and Sons Funeral Home, Effingham. Visitation was February 6, at Abundant Life Church of Effingham with the funeral service immediately following.