Carson Earl Cockrum, 77, of Carthage passed away on Thursday night, July 14, 2016, at his home near Carthage. He was born in Tyler, Ark. on March 23, 1939, to the late Arlie Delbert and Mae Ruth Martin Cockrum. He graduated from high school in Anderson, IN with the class of 1957, and later attended Panola College. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force and was honorably discharged. Carson married Patsy Hudson on Dec. 24, 1960, at Murvaul United Methodist Church, where they were long-time and faithful members. He began his career as a home builder and contractor as well as a real-estate agent. He later served as administrator of Panola General Hospital. Mr. Cockrum began his career in the oil field industry with Taylor Service Co. and retired from Pinnergy after many years of service. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club, formerly a member and president of the Panola County Chamber of Commerce, having received the Citizen of the Year award. He enjoyed quail hunting, fishing, farming, and working with his cows.

Survivors include his loving wife of 55 years, Pat Cockrum; children, Toni Barlow and husband Wade of Carthage, Scott Cockrum and wife Lisa of Rusk, and Corie Baisden and husband Mark of Carthage; sisters, Jenny Huff of Carthage and Joyce Hayes of Cabot, Ark.; grandchildren; Zachary, Taylor, and Molly Barlow, Lainie Cockrum, Luke Baisden, and one grandchild on the way, Jonah Baisden. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends also survive Mr. Cockrum.

A visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 17, 2016 at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Tim Gough officiating. Interment will follow in Murvaul Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Zachary Barlow, Chris White, LeRoy Cranford, Robert Earl Mason, David Fitts, and Preston Byrd.

Honorary pallbearer is Luke Baisden.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff and nurses of Heart's Way Hospice for the loving care shown to Mr. Cockrum.

Memorials may be made to Murvaul UMC, c/o Marvin Davenport, 1281 CR 129, Gary, TX 75643.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.