Ronald Cockerham

Kernersville – Mr. Ronald Virgil Cockerham, 74, is finally home after forty-five years in the ministry. He was born in Surry County, NC on October 5, 1946 to the late Virgil James Cockerham, and Janie Pauline Cooper. Ron was a faithful member of Gospel Light Baptist Church. His service to his country included two tours of duty in Vietnam as a helicopter machine gunner, and search and rescue with the Navy. Ron’s service to his Heavenly Father included pastoring, evangelist, chalk artist, and missionary service in England, Russia, India, and Cuba. In addition to his parents, Ron is preceded in death by his first wife, Marcia Brown Cockerham, their infant child, Mary Ruth and his second wife of 28 years, Jennifer Vanderford Cockerham.

Surviving are; a daughter, Rachel Azzarello (Jon), two sons; Brian W. Vanderford (Rebecca), and David F. Vanderford (Shannon), and twelve precious grandchildren; Dustin (Heather), Hailey (Josh), Kaysie, Nathan, Jonathan, and Abigail Vanderford, Corban, Marissa, Madelyn, Colton, Connor, and Colin Azzarello, and a great grandchild, Daxton Vanderford, and one sister, Barbara Rogers (Mike) of Boiling Springs.

A funeral service will be held 12:00 PM Thursday, July 1, 2021 at Gospel Light Baptist Church with Rev. Matt Morrison, Rev. Brian Vanderford and Rev. Chris Swiatocho of Bible Baptist in Supply, NC will be officiating.  Burial will follow in Parklawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 10:30 – 11:45 AM prior to the service at the church. The family request memorials be made to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 97251 Washington DC 20090-7251.

Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.