Charles Ernest Cockrell of Statesville, N.C., went home with the angels on June 22, 2022.

Mr. Cockrell was the son of the late Davis Montgomery and Mabel Alice Cockrell; he was one of 12 children. He grew up and attended school in Stony Point, N.C. After completing high school, he joined the Air Force, where he served four years.

Ernest was married to the late Waybern Virginia Munday Cockrell on February 14, 1953. They had four children, Eric (Lisa), Carol (Richard), Mark (Debbie) and John David, who died as an infant. His grandchildren are Stephanie Redmon (Jeff) of Statesville, Joseph Cockrell of Seattle, Wash., Jed Cockrell (Jenny) of Wilkesboro, N.C., Laura Bonafacio (Alberto) of Durham, N.C., Sara Sidden (Derrick) of Statesville, and Rachel and Charli Cockrell of Morganton, N.C. His great-grandchildren include Dylan Sidden, Mallory Cockrell, Jordan Redmon (Jada), and Jalynn Redmon. Jordan has two sons, Jace and Josiah. Other great-great-grandchildren include Emilio, Sebastian, Sophia, and Rizal Bonafacio and Ayonna Redmon. Ayonna’s children are Hayven, Kahlyn, and Torryn.

Ernest was an excellent husband, father, and grandfather. He loved God and it showed in the way he lived his life. He made his living in the men’s retail business working at Marrett Clothing, Hine Bagby and Belks to name a few. After retiring, he worked as a security guard at Iredell Memorial Hospital. In his younger years, Ernest played baseball and basketball in the service and was outstanding at both. He also enjoyed playing golf. He was an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves baseball team and the UNC Tarheels basketball team. Ernest always put his family first. We will miss him greatly.

A Graveside Service will be held Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Iredell Memorial Gardens with Rev. David Comer officiating. The family will visit with friends Tuesday evening, June 27, 2022, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Nicholson Funeral Home.

Memorials may be sent to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625. Online condolences may be left at www.nicholsonfunerals.com.

Nicholson Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.