Elzie Cockerham, Jr.

Elzie Cockerham, 75, of Middletown, Ohio, passed peacefully on February 23, 2026, at Hospice of Cincinnati, following a courageous and dignified battle with an aggressive glioblastoma brain tumor.

Born on December 9, 1950, in Middletown, Ohio, Elzie was the son of Elzie Cockerham and Audrey Cockerham, whose family roots traced back to Campton in Wolf County, Kentucky. On February 14, 1970, he married the love of his life, Rhonda Marie Cockerham. Together, they shared 50 years of steadfast devotion, faith, and partnership before her passing. Their marriage was marked by deep love, shared purpose, and an enduring commitment to serving others and walking faithfully together.

Elzie was a devoted father and grandfather. He is survived by his sons, Mark Cockerham and his wife Shelly, and Matthew Cockerham; his grandchildren, Brittany Reynolds and her husband Joshua, Zackery Cockerham and his wife Madilyn, Brooklyn Cockerham, and Matthew Cockerham; and his great-grandchildren, Grayson and Gideon Reynolds, and Oliver and Emmie Cockerham. He is also survived by his siblings, Kennith, Mary, Deanna and Lester, along with a host of extended family members and dear friends who will deeply miss him.

A graduate of Carlisle High School, Class of 1968, Elzie went on to honorably serve his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He completed 11 years of faithful service from 1968 to 1971 and from 1971 to 1979. His military commendations included the National Defense Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. His service was a source of quiet pride and reflected a lifelong commitment to discipline, integrity, and duty.

Following his honorable discharge, Elzie pursued his calling by attending Williamstown Christian College, where he earned a degree in Bible. His faith journey began early; at just 13 years old, he obeyed the gospel at a tent meeting in Middletown, Ohio, and was baptized at Gideon Road Church of Christ. That decision became the foundation of a lifetime devoted to Scripture, ministry, and faithful service.

Elzie was known for his deep biblical knowledge and his passion for history, particularly as it related to faith, culture, and the unfolding of God’s plan through time. He was a diligent student of Scripture, able to thoughtfully connect historical context with biblical truth, and he shared that knowledge with humility, clarity, and conviction. His love of learning enriched both his preaching and his personal conversations, leaving a lasting impression on all who listened.

He faithfully preached the Gospel in Laurel, Delaware, and Defuniak Springs, Florida. Elzie and Rhonda also served as house parents for Midwestern Children’s Home in Pleasant Plain, Ohio, and Timothy Hill Children’s Home in New York, dedicating their lives to guiding, nurturing, and loving young people in need. His ministry was marked by compassion, patience, and an unwavering desire to share the Word of God through both teaching and example.

Elzie will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, faithful preacher of the Gospel, proud veteran, and steadfast servant of both God and country. His life was defined by faith, service, and a deep love for his family. Though he has laid down the burdens of this earthly life, his legacy of devotion, wisdom, and unwavering belief will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

A visitation and celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Donald Jordan Memorial Chapel, 4882 Germantown Pike, Dayton, Ohio 45417. Family will receive guests beginning at 8:30 a.m., with services following at 9:30 a.m. A small interment service will be held at Dayton National Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. following the service.

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