04/09/2025
Jay Dee Cockrell, 64, of Joaquin, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, April 11, 2025, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Jody Hooper officiating. Interment will follow at Sholar Cemetery in Joaquin.
Jay Dee was born on July 10, 1960, in Logansport, Louisiana, to James Horace Cockrell and Jo Dell Edburg Cockrell. He was an Eagle Scout and a 1978 graduate of Joaquin High School. He spent his life working hard, taking care of his family, and showing up for his community.
He started out in the oilfield before settling into poultry farming, raising broilers for 40 years. He also raised cattle and took pride in everything he did.
Over the years, Jay Dee served on the Huxley City Council, coached little league teams, and held positions on the Joaquin ISD School Board, the Shelby County Tax Appraisal Board, and the Joaquin Fire District Board. He was proud to serve as President of the Sholar Cemetery Association and was a steady supporter of the Shelby County Livestock Show. He was awarded the Honorary Lone Star Degree from the Texas FFA Association. Jay Dee was a member of the Shelby County Cookers and a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Go Texan Committee.
In 1981, he married his best friend and the love of his life, Selisha Kay Cockrell. They shared 43 years together, built on love, loyalty, and a whole lot of grit. She was his rock — the one who stood by his side through every season of life. Jay Dee was never prouder than when it came to his kids. Supporting them and watching them grow into who they are today brought him more joy than anything. He loved being with family and friends — always ready to lend a hand, tell a story, or share a laugh.
Jay Dee always had a way of figuring things out — a true problem solver. He could fix or figure out just about anything and always had something to say. He was a straight shooter, and yes, a certified bullshitter — always with a good heart.
Jay Dee will be remembered for his grit, generosity, and the deep love he had for his family, his work, and his community. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the example he set.
He is survived by:
His wife, Selisha Kay Cockrell of Joaquin
Children:
Kade Cockrell of Joaquin
Jodi Cockrell of Joaquin
Uncle and Aunt, Jerry and Margaret Cockrell of Joaquin
Mother-in-law, Betty Burgay of Timpson
Brother, John Cockrell and wife, Karen, of Prosper
Brothers-in-law:
Chuck Kay of Shelbyville
Stephen Burgay of Timpson
Numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends whom he loved deeply.
He was preceded in death by:
His parents: James Horace Cockrell and Jo Dell Edburg Cockrell
Fathers-in-law: Tom Kay and Stanley Burgay
Brothers: James Allen Cockrell and Joe Cockrell
Sister-in-law: Cynthia Cockrell
Pallbearers will be Derek Cockrell, Ricky Cockrell, Brad Cockrell, Brandon Cockrell, Jace Gurley, Robby Woodfin, Skipper Hendricks, and Kenny Weeks.
Honorary pallbearers will be John Paul Lawson, Rodney Dean, Rich Cockrell, John Cockrell, Scooter Gray, and Jesus Gomez.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Sholar Cemetery, 8334 US Hwy 84 E, Joaquin, TX 75954.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
