Herbert "Jay" Cockrell Jr., 56, of Rochester, passed away on Thursday, September 21, 2023 surrounded by his family at home.

Jay was born on April 15, 1967 in Springfield, IL, the son of Herbert and Lois (Walters) Cockrell. He married Cherie Lynn Cary on April 28, 1990 and she survives. Jay was a production manager for 26 years and was a loving father, pops, master gardener and avid outdoorsman who loved to cook and hunting and fishing in his spare time.

He is preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, William Colson Womack; brothers, William "Bill" Cockrell, David Meridith Cockrell, David Allen (Janice) Pryer, and Jerry Lynn Walters; sister, Bernadene (Albert) Holmes.

Jay is survived by his wife, Cherie Cockrell; children, Meredith (William) Womack, Jacob (Katie) Cockrell; grandchildren, Wrenley and Whitley Womack and one grandson on the way; siblings, Sylvia (Richard) Poynter, Marilyn (Tom) Glaze, Charles "Chuck" (Donna) Pryer, Kathleen "Kathy" Cockrell, Kevin Lee Pryer and Jacqueline "Jackie Sue" Cockrell Hendrick.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at Wilson Park Funeral Home, 200 E. Main St in Rochester at 11:00AM. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Wilson Park Funeral Home in Rochester is in charge of arrangements.