Gerald Wesley Cockrell, 70, died Sunday, April 27, 2014 at his residence.

Born in Saluda County and a son of the late Colie L. and Sadie Bell Kneece Cockrell, he was the husband of Joyce Lanelle Minick Cockrell. He was retired from South Carolina Department of Transportation and was employed with Saluda Body Shop and Minick's Wrecker Service. Gerald was a member of Red Bank Baptist Church and a deacon. He was the Founder and Captain of Rescue I and the Good Hearted CB Radio Club.

Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Joyce Lanelle Minick Cockrell and two aunts, Beatrice Cockrell and Peggy Allen both of Saluda.

Mr. Cockrell was preceded in death by a brother, J.C. Cockrell.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 PM, Tuesday evening at Ramey Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held 3 PM, Wednesday, April 30, 2014 at Red Bank Baptist Church with Rev. Gary Romines officiating. Interment will follow in St. Luke's Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Red Bank Baptist Church, 309 E. Church St., Saluda, SC 29138, Hospice Care of South Carolina, 404 Batesburg Hwy., Saluda, SC 29138 or to Rescue I, P.O. Box 403, Saluda, SC 29138.