Rev. Dr. Thomas Alan Cocklereece

Rev. Dr. Thomas Alan Cocklereece, age 65, of Kennesaw, GA transitioned from his earthly home to his heavenly home on May 6, 2020 surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Janice; daughter, Dana Perry (Justin) of Plano, Texas; and son, Matthew Cocklereece of Kennesaw, Georgia. He is also survived four grandsons, one granddaughter, and two great grandsons. He also is survived by four brothers: Kevin (Kate) Cocklereece of West Barnstable, MA; Michael (Shea) Cocklereece of Roopville, GA; Charles R. Wright of Asheville, NC; and George F. Wright, Jr of Roanoke, VA; four sisters: Louise (Jay) Sutton of Carrollton, GA; Marie (Andrew) Sharp of Alpharetta, GA; Lynda Wright of Hendersonville, NC; and Gail Wright of Hiram, GA; and numerous nieces and nephews. Tom served in the United States Navy from 1980 - 1986. He knew from an early age The Lord had called him into ministry. He was a life long learner and became a bit of a professional student. He completed his A.S in Medical Technology from George Washington University, Washington, DC, B.S. in Heath Care Administration from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas, Doctorate of Ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, Louisiana, and was working on a Masters in Counseling from Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA when he became sick. He began his ministry as a youth director in Maryland but after completing seminary in 1991, he has served as the pastor of churches in Erwin, Tennessee (where he developed his love of the Tennessee Volunteers GO VOLS!), Fairbanks, Alaska and Marietta and Mableton, Georgia. He was certified as a Christian Counselor in Georgia and had his practice (RENEW Christian Counseling) in Marietta, Georgia. He also wrote a book titled Simple Discipleship published in 2008. Tom always had a passion for discipleship and growing the Kingdom. Tom enjoyed many interests including barbequing (especially smoking the best brisket and ribs on his Big Green Egg), love for nature (especially bird watching), writing and astronomy. He had a creative mind – designing logos (i.e. Simple Discipleship). He always enjoyed family gatherings, especially Thanksgiving at Aunt Ruth’s…. He also loved “stirring the pot” with his brothers and sisters. He always looked forward to making the first pot of chili when cold weather came, and watching football (GO VOLS!), especially when he could share with other people. His love for spicy food was well known and became a connoisseur of hot sauces to which he was given many different varieties by his friends and family. He also had a great skill for remembering movie lines and would incorporate them into conversations and then say, “where does that line come from?” It became a common practice within his family to quote lines from movies and see if others could remember where it was from – Tom always got it right! Tom and Janice were married just after school and grew more and more in love with each year. Christ was always the center of their lives and home. Other than Jesus, Tom loved Janice more than life itself. One thing he had said was he looked forward to going to heaven, but just did not want to leave his love, Janice. Psalm 23 Psalm 42 John 3:16 John 1:1 The family will hold a private Graveside Service on Saturday, May 9, 2020. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in loving memory of Rev. Dr. Thomas Alan Cocklereece to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607. Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home in Marietta is handling the arrangements. www.mayeswarddobbins.com

Rev. Dr. Thomas Alan Cocklereece

January 7, 1955 - May 6, 2020