Gene Ramon Cocke

Gene Ramon Cocke, avid gardener, friend, neighbor, and long-time resident of Bedford, Virginia, passed away on January 9, 2022.  Born in Bedford in 1946, he was the son of the late John Doris Cocke and Louise Garraghty Cocke, and the younger brother of John Randolph Cocke, also deceased. After graduating from Lynchburg College with a major in Biology, he obtained a Master’s in Marine Ecology from ODU in Norfolk.  His work took him around the country, but he eventually settled back in his hometown of Bedford. He is survived by a niece, nephew-in-law and great-niece in Portland, Oregon and a myriad of cousins, on both sides of the family. A feline friend, named Blackie, was his faithful companion at his English Meadow’s home. No visitation or memorial services are planned. Memorial donations may be made to your favorite charity or an animal shelter organization. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.