Philo Lane Cockerille

Philo Lane Cockerille, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the age of 90. Born on September 19, 1935, in Loudon County, Virginia, Philo was the son of the late Philo Crane and Eula Cockerille. On November 15th, 1955, he married Marilyn Furr, and together they enjoyed forty-seven years of marriage until her death in August of 2002.

Philo proudly served in the United States Army. After his military service, he enjoyed a successful career as a Manager of Operations at IBM, where he was respected for his expertise and leadership in the computing industry.

As a young boy, Philo enjoyed sports. He was an exceptionally gifted pitcher and loved playing baseball alongside his younger brother, Richard. Philo also developed a love for horses at an early age and later pursued that passion through the raising and managing of thoroughbreds. 

 Philo was known for his generosity, witty sense of humor, and his willingness to lend a helping hand to those in need. He was a dedicated volunteer at the food pantry at Crums Church in Berryville, Virginia, and served with compassion alongside hospice care providers, reflecting his commitment to uplifting others. Philo was an avid golfer and outdoor enthusiast. In recent years, although they were separated by many miles, Philo treasured his close-knit relationship with his siblings and brother-in-law. They heartily enjoyed their pursuit of "hitting it big" in the lottery and with scratch-off tickets!

 A devoted "girl dad", Philo cherished his role as a father to his daughters, Holly Simmons and Colette Seymour. He found tremendous joy in being a grandfather to Jaquie Goncher, Emma Simmons, and Sophie Simmons, and was an adoring great-grandfather to Olive Goncher. Philo truly felt that all his girls were his greatest blessing and the crowning jewels of his life; family was his heart.

Philo is survived by his daughters, Holly Simmons and her husband Don, and Colette Seymour; his grandchildren, Jaquie Goncher and her husband Andy, Emma Simmons and her husband Steven Janes, and Sophie Simmons; his great-granddaughter, Olive Goncher; his brother, Lawson Cockerille; and his sister, Joan Martinelli and her husband Dennis, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Philo was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn, and his brothers, Richard Cockerille and Billy Cockerille.

 The family of Philo Cockerille would like to express their deep appreciation to all the staff at Manor Lake Hiram, where he has resided for the past six years. We thank you for your kindness, care, and compassion. We would also like to express a special thank you to the amazing team at Wellstar Tranquility Hospice at Cobb.

A funeral service to honor Philo's life will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Clark Funeral Home in Hiram, Georgia, with visitation beginning at 1:00 PM. He will be laid to rest following the service at Sunset Memory Gardens in Cartersville, Georgia.

Philo Lane Cockerille will be remembered for his unwavering strength, love, and profound impact on all who knew him. Those who wish to share condolences online may do so at www.samclarkfuneralhome.com