Clayton Russell Cochran

CLAYTON RUSSELL COCHRAN, 86, of Fordyce, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 11, 2018, at St. John's Place in Fordyce with his loving wife Jean by his side. Clayton was a pillar of his community through his involvement in the Optimist Club International, and more importantly First Baptist Church in Fordyce where he was an ordained deacon, taught Sunday School, and joyfully sang in the adult choir for many years. Clayton was a master carpenter by trade and was well known in several south Arkansas counties for his expert skills. He was also happy to use his architectural and carpentry skills for many projects at his church and for his family. Additionally, Clayton retired from the Arkansas Army National Guard in 1992 with over 33 years of service as a member of Company B, 3rd Battalion, 153rd Infantry Division of the 39th Infantry Brigade. Throughout his life, he showed genuine love to all who knew him. He was a devoted, loving husband, father, and Pappaw. He loved camping and was an avid fisherman. Clayton was preceded in death by his parents, Norman Sidney Cochran and Euna Belle Gray Cochran, and younger brother, Ralph Norman Cochran. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jean McMurry of Fordyce; and daughters, Becky Bryant and husband Andy of Sheridan, Ark., and Gwynne Dunlap and husband Billie of Lexington Park, Md.; five grandchildren: Drew Bryant of Sheridan, Alex Bryant and wife Holly of Sheridan, Mary Kathryn Bryant of Dunwoody, Ga., Jeanna Dunlap of Denton, Texas, and Cara Dunlap of Fort Worth, Texas; three great-grandchildren: Carter Judkins, Harleigh Raye Threlkeld, and Beau Bryant. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Joan Hill of Diamondhead, Miss., and brother-in-law Jim McMurry and wife Nancy of Sherwood, Ark., as well as loved niece and nephews. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, November 16, at Benton Funeral Home, 501 W. 4th Street in Fordyce. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 17, in Benton Funeral Home Chapel with graveside following at Stoney Point Cemetery in Fordyce. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church, 501 N. Main, Fordyce, Arkansas 71742.