Percy Gilbert Cochran, 82, of Burkeville, died Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at his residence. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lucille McMillian Cochran and Curtis Jackson Cochran and brother, David Howard Cochran.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Virginia Ann Gibbs Cochran; his brothers, Douglas Hughes Cochran and Elizie “Putt” Lee Cochran (Linda); sisters-in-law, Mary Frances Gibbs Irvin (George), Catherine Gibbs Hamm, and Linda Gibbs Staylor (Lowry); a niece and nephews, Mary Catherine Irvin Block (Chris), Timmy Cochran (Beverly), Tony Cochran (Glenda), Tommy Cochran (Robin), George Lee Irvin IV (Caroline), and David Gibbs Hamm; numerous great nieces and nephews; and aunts, Aline Stewart, Harriett Barton, Pasty Verser; and an uncle, Randy McMillian.

Percy was a graduate of Burkeville High School and Smithdeal Massey Business College in Richmond. He was an Army veteran with honorable discharge in May 1956 where he received a Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal. Percy was an employee of the Federal Government and received the Defense Logistics Agency’s Distinguished Career Award for 31 years of service. He was a certified Lay Speaker for the Methodist Church.  As a member of Wards Chapel Methodist Church, he was an adult Sunday school class teacher for 50 years. He was raised as a Master Mason in Burke Lodge No. 147; a 32-degree Scottish Rite Mason; served as Worshipful Master of Burke Lodge No. 147; served as Secretary for 29th District Master & Wardens Association; served as secretary for Southside Shrine Club; served as Grand Master for the 27th Masonic District; served on the Grand Lodge of Virginia Credentials Committee; and was a Jesters.

Percy was an avid storyteller, beekeeper, gardener and banjo player. He enjoyed sharing his storytelling and banjo playing with local nursing homes.

The family extends a special thank you to the caregivers, Teresa Overton, Beverly Hammonds, Flora King, Phyllis Bennett, Nadine King, Becky Davis, Jessica Karakaris, Chelcea Dillard and the Centra Hospice Staff for their love and support.

Family and friends will gather at Ward’s Chapel Methodist Church, in Crewe, at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 28 for a memorial service. Interment will be private. Contributions can be made to Ward’s Chapel United Methodist Church, Shriner’s Children Hospital or Centra Hospice.

Puckett Funeral Home, Farmville, is serving the family. www.puckettfh.com.