Douglas F. Cockerham
Douglas Frederick Cockerham, son of Linda and David Cockerham, was born in Tampa, Fla., on April 13, 1973, and was a lifelong resident of Ruskin. He was an amazingly generous soul who was a son, brother, father and friend to all who knew him.
A graduate of East Bay High, he loved his time as a football player and went on to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of South Florida. He worked for many years as a contractor and educator and helped found a popular seafood restaurant in the Ruskin area. A lover of poetry and music, as well as fishing and boating, he often said he was a “pirate born 200 years too late.”
He is survived by his parents; brothers, Darren Cockerham (Jodi) and Tyler (Vera); and children, Kristen and Magnus Cockerham; nieces, Abby and Sophia. The family is forever grateful that Doug was with us and enriched our lives daily with his great sense of humor and unconditional love. He passed unexpectedly at the age of 47 on March 5, 2021, and the lives of those who loved him will be forever touched by his memory. The family will be having a private ceremony to remember our beloved Douglas, and we wish to thank those who loved and meant so much to him over the years.
MEMORIAL
<h2><strong>Phillip “PJ” Combs</strong></h2>
<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-31852" src="/assets/images/uploads/wp/2021/03/Phillip-Combs-200x132.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="132" />How we remember you, PJ;
You didn’t build a wall,
Always a bridge.
One dollar left in your pocket,
You always would give and forgive:
That is how you will be remembered.
You are and will always be with us,
And what a plus that is for everyone.
<strong>Happy 35th birthday,</strong>
<em>Love Mom, Travis, Nanna, Grmpy and family</em>
A graduate of East Bay High, he loved his time as a football player and went on to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of South Florida. He worked for many years as a contractor and educator and helped found a popular seafood restaurant in the Ruskin area. A lover of poetry and music, as well as fishing and boating, he often said he was a “pirate born 200 years too late.”
He is survived by his parents; brothers, Darren Cockerham (Jodi) and Tyler (Vera); and children, Kristen and Magnus Cockerham; nieces, Abby and Sophia. The family is forever grateful that Doug was with us and enriched our lives daily with his great sense of humor and unconditional love. He passed unexpectedly at the age of 47 on March 5, 2021, and the lives of those who loved him will be forever touched by his memory. The family will be having a private ceremony to remember our beloved Douglas, and we wish to thank those who loved and meant so much to him over the years.
MEMORIAL
<h2><strong>Phillip “PJ” Combs</strong></h2>
<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-31852" src="/assets/images/uploads/wp/2021/03/Phillip-Combs-200x132.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="132" />How we remember you, PJ;
You didn’t build a wall,
Always a bridge.
One dollar left in your pocket,
You always would give and forgive:
That is how you will be remembered.
You are and will always be with us,
And what a plus that is for everyone.
<strong>Happy 35th birthday,</strong>
<em>Love Mom, Travis, Nanna, Grmpy and family</em>