David Cochran

James David Cochran, Sr. finished his earthly race and entered the gates of Heaven on November 14, 2023. He was preceded in death by his father, James E. Cochran and sister Jamie Cochran Brown.

David was born in Sylacauga, Alabama to James and Sue Cochran who both instilled a relentless work ethic in him and his siblings that carried on with him throughout his entire life. David was a decorated swimmer, football player, and track athlete growing up and continued his athletic pursuits while attending The University of Alabama. David was a cheerleader for Alabama during one of the most successful times in Alabama football from 1977-1979. David met his wife of 43 years, Mary Alice Brown Cochran, while attending Alabama, and they were married in 1980.

After graduating from Alabama, David and Mary Alice moved back to David's hometown of Sylacauga where they began a family and a long career with State Farm Insurance. David was an agent with State Farm in Sylacauga and later moved into a management role with State Farm in Dothan, Alabama. He finished his career with State Farm in the Birmingham area and retired in 2007.

Throughout David's life, church and family were always the most important things to him. He made sure that his Christian values directed his way in business and in personal life. He always had a smile on his face and carried a spirit of joy that was contagious. David was a man of strong character and integrity. He went out of his way to help others in need, both financially and with his time. David was an active member of his church, Shades Mountain Community Church. He was blessed with an amazing singing voice and enjoyed singing in the choir and being a part of his and Mary Alice's small group at church.

David and Mary Alice raised 3 boys, David Jr. who is married to Melanie, Brock who is married to Nicki, and Nick who is married to Meagan. Their 3 sons gave them 2 grandchildren each, Tre' and Brooke, Elijah and Isaac, Olivia and Avery. David's favorite job in life was being Grandpa. He had a special relationship with each of his sons and daughters in law, but nobody made his eyes light up like his grandchildren did.

David lived the last years of his life with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Despite this, he chose to keep a positive outlook, count his blessings and help work towards a cure for this debilitating disease. David was an integral part of Alzheimer's studies at UAB in Birmingham and Washington University in St. Louis for many years. He faced the disease with courage and grace in hopes that studies on his brain and the effects of new medicines trying to come to market would help many generations to come.

If you knew David or even just had the opportunity to meet him once, your life was better for it. He was one of the good ones. David is survived by: his loving wife of 43 years Mary Alice, three sons, David Jr. (Melanie), Brock (Nicki), and Nick (Meagan); six grandchildren, Tre', Brooke, Olivia, Elijah, Avery and Isaac; his mother Sue Cochran; three brothers, Morris (Candy), Joel (Rosie), and Tommy (Rebecca) and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be at Shades Mountain Community Church from 12:30 - 2:00 on November 17, 2023 with a celebration of life to immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to HudsonAlpha's Alzheimer's research (https://donate.hudsonalpha.org/give/389730).