J. Clayton Cochran, Jr.

Mr. John Clayton Cochran, Jr. age 88, of Winchester, VA, died Friday, August 17, 2012, at Blue Ridge Hospice Residential Center. Mr. Cochran was born in 1924 in Winchester, the son of the late John Clayton and Clarise Cochran. He owned and operated Winchester Smoke Shop, retiring in 1975. He was a 1942 graduate of Handley High School. Mr. Cochran enlisted in the Navy Air Force Cadet Program in 1943 and became a Navy Fighter Pilot during World War II, serving in the Pacific Theatre, and flying from the USS Randolph. He returned to Winchester in 1947 and attended Shepherd College. He was a member of Advent Lutheran Church. John was an active member of the American Legion and various other local organizations. He enjoyed volunteering for the Handley Library Archives. He also enjoyed playing golf, hunting, fishing, and tending his garden.

Surviving is a brother, Douglas E. Cochran of Henderson, NV, and a nephew, Brian Scott Cochran of Vienna, WV. A brother, Donald M. Cochran, preceded him in death.

A graveside service will be conducted at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, August 21, at Mt. Hebron Cemetery with Reverend Noel Vold officiating.

Contributions in memory of Mr. Cochran may be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork Street, Winchester, VA 22601.

Please view obituaries and tribute wall at www.ompsfuneralhome.com.