Michael Lee Cochran

February 8, 1951.

Michael Lee Cochran, 74, ended his heroic battle against cancer on March 19, 2025, at his home in Barnesville, GA surrounded by his beloved wife and family. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday, March 29th at the Monroe County Memorial Chapel in Forsyth, GA. Honoring Mike’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no service other than visitation.

Mike was preceded in death by his father Charles Cochran, his mother Betty Jean Cochran and his brother Franklin Cochran. Mike was born in Butler, GA and lived in Monroe County and Jasper County in his younger years. His family then moved to Culloden, GA and he graduated from Mary Persons High School in 1969. Mike attended Gordon Military College and also took courses at Tift College. He served four years in the Army Reserves and was a Parachute Rigger. Mike retired from the Georgia Power Company as the Maintenance Manager at Plant McDonough after 32 years of dedicated service and then was a consultant for the Southern Company for several years. He was a member of Rock Springs Church and was a member of the Strict Observance Masonic Lodge No. 18. Mike was baptized as a young child and was re-baptized in the Jordan River in Israel in June of 2023.

Mike is survived by his loving wife Gloria Jackson Cochran, son Christopher Cochran, daughter Anna Durham (Daniel), daughter Erica Ruiz, six granddaughters: Ansley Harper (Hunter), Riley Cochran, Emily Durham, Lilliana Durham, Kaylee Ruiz, Natalee Ruiz and one great granddaughter - Addalyn Harper. Along with two sisters Donna Ruffin (Vic) and Kathy Richardson (Ron), sister-in-law Regina Adams (David) and brother-in-law Dean Jackson (Debra) along with many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Mike was a devoted and loving husband to his wife Gloria for 52 golden years and he enjoyed all of life’s many blessings with her as well as with his three children, six grandchildren and great granddaughter. He loved giving each grandchild their very own nickname that has stuck with them over the years. Mike also cherished those special moments spent with his Uncle Bobby and cousin Susan just reminiscing about past family memories.

Those who knew Mike well - knew he loved keeping his yard well-groomed with many plants and beautiful flowers and taking rides on his Harley Davidson around the GA mountains with his wife. Mike enjoyed firing up the grill for family and friends and everyone loved Mike’s famous seasoned collards.

Mike especially loved getting together for a round of golf with his large group of golf buddies and talking with his former co-workers from GA Power and classmates of 1969. He loved and was deeply loved back with wet kisses from all his family pets over these many years and will especially be missed by his dog Luci. Mike had such a great sense of humor and enjoyed sharing his comical stories. Over the last year Mike enjoyed talking about his trip of a lifetime - a Rock Springs Church trip to Israel and what a blessing it was for him and Gloria to experience that trip with his daughter Anna and sister Donna along with such a wonderful group of friends.

Mike will be greatly missed by all of those who knew him. We are so fortunate for the many happy memories and the warm footprints that Mike has left on each of our hearts. We can only envision what a glorious reunion he must be having in the Pearly Gates of Heaven. Until we meet again Michael Lee Cochran - fly high and rest in peace. Mike you will live on in our hearts forever and always.

Our family wishes to extend our sincere appreciation for all of the thoughts, prayers, love, visits, cards, and food during this very difficult time. Also, our deepest gratitude goes to Pastor Benny and the staff of Rock Springs Church and the nurses and staff at Piedmont Macon Hospital. Our hearts have been showered with much love and kindness and for that we are truly grateful.

In Mike’s memory, those desiring may send flowers to Monroe County Memorial Chapel 86 West Main Street, Forsyth, Georgia, or make a contribution to Rock Springs Church. www.rocksprings.org

Please visit www.monroecountymemorialchapel.com to express your condolences.

Monroe County Memorial Chapel has charge of the arrangements.