Obituaries
Larry Cochran
Larry Ray Cochran, 77, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He drew his last breath on August 30, 2025, with his beloved family by his side.
Larry, the youngest of seven children, was born on August 12, 1948, in Sylacauga, to Jessie Vashti Morris Cochran and James Monroe Cochran. Deeply loved by his older siblings, he was often called “Shawiggle” because of his constant wiggling as a child. He spent most of his younger years in the family’s home in Marble Valley, Alabama, before later moving to Sylacauga.
A 1966 graduate of Sylacauga High School, Larry made a memorable connection there when he asked freshman Cindy Veazey to the senior prom. She said “yes” and years later, on September 14, 1974, they would marry in a small ceremony at Larry’s sister’s home in Gardendale. Their 50 years of marriage brought countless memories for their children and grandchildren, filled with family gatherings, beach trips, mountain getaways, and days at the lake. Larry was not only a faithful provider, but also a steadfast supporter, always encouraging his loved ones and being actively involved in their lives.
In 1971, Larry graduated from Jacksonville State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business. He lived in both Alexander City and Birmingham for a short time, working in real estate and the mortgage industry, before opening a scratch agency with State Farm in Childersburg in 1975. He and Cindy made their home there, and for 34 years Larry served as an Insurance Agent until his retirement due to illness in 2009. Known for his quick wit and love for people, Larry built lifelong friendships with many of his clients, serving them with integrity and dedication.
Larry was a man of many talents and interests, but was most widely known for his ability to make others laugh. His humor, whether through jokes or harmless pranks, filled his home and community with joy. His children and grandchildren all know his jokes by heart, and even in his later years, when Alzheimer’s stole so much from him, Larry never lost his sense of humor. He continued telling those same familiar jokes.
Each fall, Larry eagerly looked forward to Auburn football Saturdays, surrounded by friends and family. His last day was a perfect day for him as Auburn beat Baylor.
Larry is survived by his devoted wife, Cindy Veazey Cochran, and his children, Jamie Cochran (Robin), Ginny Cochran Rutledge (Jon) and Lori Cochran Parris (Josh). He was known as “Poppy” to his 9 grandchildren, Jessica Parris, Sara Jackson Rutledge, Hannah Cochran, Reese Rutledge, Jackson Parris, Jaycee Cochran, Ava Kate Parris, Mae Rutledge, and Kade Parris, and great-granddaughter, Adalynn Grace Cochran.
Other survivors include his siblings, Juanita Cochran White (George) and Charlotte Cochran Humphrey, along with his sisters-in-law, Sue Davis Cochran and Mindy Veazey, and his brother-in-law, Mike Veazey (Rhonda). Larry is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, James Monroe Cochran and Jessie Vashti Morris Cochran; his brothers, James Edwin Cochran and Harold Wayne Cochran; his sisters, Betty Cochran Stewart and Barbara Cochran Street; his nephews, David Cochran and Billy Stewart; and niece, Jamie Sue Cochran Brown.
A Celebration of Life was held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at First Baptist Church Childersburg, with graveside service immediately following at Childersburg City Cemetery, 9th Ave. SW, Childersburg.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Larry’s memory may be made to Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama; P. O. Box 2273; Birmingham, AL 35201; https://alzca.org/donate-now; and HudsonAlpha Institute Alzheimer’s Research; 601 Genome Way; Huntsville, AL 35806; https://donate.hudsonalpha.org/campaign/665013/donate.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/sylacauga-al/radney-smith-funeral-home/8516.
Radney-Smith Funeral Home directed the service.
Nancy Gayle Fuller
Memorial service for Ms. Nancy Gayle Fuller, 59, of Roanoke, will be Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Rev. Russell DeLee will officiate. The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 6, from 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home.
Ms. Fuller passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Roanoke Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. She was born on February 21, 1966, in Alexander City to Clinton Gilbert Fuller and Merlene Jones Fuller. She was a cheerleader at Hackneyville High School in her early years. After graduating, she worked at Russell Mills for a few years. Nancy’s life was a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit, exemplified by her deep belief in the Word of God, which she cherished throughout her life, even during times of illness.
Nancy’s journey here on earth was marked by an enduring faith that guided her through every challenge she faced. As a cornerstone of her community, she lived her life as a reflection of her beliefs, infusing each day with acts of kindness and a hopeful outlook that inspired those around her. Nancy was well-known for her warm smile and the wisdom she imparted to friends and strangers alike.
She dedicated herself in service, both in her community and beyond, fueled by her conviction that love and compassion could overcome any adversity. Nancy found solace in reading the Scriptures and enjoyed sharing her understanding with others, often sparking deep and meaningful conversations about life and spirituality.
Throughout her battle with various illnesses, Nancy never wavered in her faith or her ability to find joy in the small wonders of the world. Her resilience was as much a part of her as her generous spirit. She was often found comforting others, despite her own struggles, showing an extraordinary ability to elevate those around her.
As we remember Nancy, we recall a life lived with purpose and passion, grounded in a faith that was both her anchor and her wings. Her legacy will be cherished and will continue to influence the lives of many, just as profoundly as her physical presence once did. Nancy’s life reminds us all to live with courage, to love without reservation, and to put our faith at the center of our existence.
Ms. Fuller’s memory will be held in the hearts of her friends, family, and all who were touched by her remarkable spirit. Her journey on earth may have reached its sunset, but the light she cast remains, a resolute beacon for all who walk the path she once did.
She is survived by her daughters, Hilary Moncrief of Ashland and Jessica Baker of Panama City, Fla.; son, Landon (Lara) Moncrief of Huntsville; mother, Merlene Fuller of Goodwater; grandchildren, Everett Moncrief and Oksana Baker; and sister, Laura (Kerry) Thomas of Goodwater.
She was preceded in death by her father, Clinton Gilbert Fuller.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Nancy Gayle Fuller.
Betty McKinney
A Celebration of Life for Mrs. Betty Copeland McKinney was held with a funeral service Friday, August 29, 2025, at New Home Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Terrance Stamps officiating and Rev. Christopher Todd serving as eulogist. Interment followed in the church cemetery.
Mrs. Betty Jean Copeland McKinney of Kellyton, was born on December 26, 1935, to the late Mr. Louis Copeland and Mrs. Idell Powell.
Betty transitioned peacefully in the comfort of her home on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Cassaundra Thomas; her grandchild, Vincent McKinney; parents, Louis Copeland and Idell Powell; her sister, Julia Nickey; and her niece, Synita Houston.
Betty Copeland McKinney was a woman of impeccable character and an exceptional person who served as a role model for both children and adults.
Mrs. Betty received a B.S. degree from Florida A & M University in Tallahassee, Fla., and a master’s degree from Nova University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. She was an educator for 34 years with the West Palm Beach County School System in Florida.
Betty was a phenomenal woman and achieved a lot of great things throughout her lifetime. She was a proud Silver Star and life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. She was initiated on July 12, 1978, through the Zeta Tau Omega Chapter in Palm Beach, Florida.
Mrs. McKinney was also a member of the Central Alabama Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club Inc. She was a great asset in helping to chair workshops in education and participating in all the CAC HEED Programs. She was an associate member of the Talladega, Clay, and Coosa County Tuskegee Alumni Association. Betty is one of the twelve founders of an organization, Las Novias Society Inc., that began in March 1959.
Since moving to Coosa County, she volunteered her services at the Salvation Army, the Funland Daycare Center, and was a mentor for many workers and parents. She served on the Quality Assurance Committee for the Coosa County Department of Human Resources.
She was united in Holy Matrimony to Mr. Joseph K. McKinney Jr. on May 23, 1969.
Mrs. Betty Jean served as a faithful member of The New Home Missionary Baptist Church in the Hissop Community. Her work never went unnoticed. She was secretary of the New Home Missionary Baptist Church Mass Choir, a former teacher for the Red Circle, and a member of the Women’s Missionary Society of the church. She loved church, her church family, and Sunday School.
Her precious memories will be cherished by her husband, Mr. Joseph K. McKinney Jr.; children, Joseph K. McKinney III (Callie), Althea J. Mack (Kenneth), and Terence L. McKinney (Victoria); grandchildren, Ivan M. Mack, Joseph B. McKinney, Terence L. McKinney Jr., and Melanie K. Short; great-grandchildren, Laila Stenson, Jazmine McKinney, Ava Stenson, Julian McKinney, and Jaycub McKinney; a sister-in-law, Arthelma McKinney VanDyke; special nieces and nephew, Letitia Dawkins, Debora Lamons, and Gary Ruffin; and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Final arrangements were entrusted to Armour’s Memorial Services.
