Edward Woolson Cockes, a Newport News resident since 1966, passed away on Friday, December 3, 2021. He was born on September 12, 1942 in Norfolk. Ed was a native of Portsmouth, VA and a graduate of Craddock High School, class of 1961. Ed served an apprenticeship in photo engineering at Tidewater Engraving and Graphic Arts Service in Portsmouth. He went on to serve as production manager at Palber Advertising Agency in Norfolk, then went on to Hampton where he retired from Prestige Press, Inc. after more than 44 years of service in the camera layout and plate department.

Ed was a member of Parkview Community Center Board, serving as secretary for many years and a member of the Model A Ford Club of America. He was a member of Newport News Church of the Nazarene, where he served as Head Usher, Sunday School Superintendent, Trustee and anything else that was needed or asked of him. He was always willing to help others.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Zelna Neil Cockes and Mary Elizabeth Jones Cockes; brother, Thomas Otho Cockes; and God-grandson, Luke Harden Hoover. His memory will be cherished by his wife of 55 years, Tillie Carroll Cockes; son, David Neil Cockes (Thelma) of Newport News; nieces, Melodie Cockes Gleason (Gerry) of Little Rock, AR, and Linda Cockes Foster of Oscoda, MI; God-grandson, Randall Paul Hoover (Kacy) of Rock Hill, SC; God-great-granddaughter, Charlee Reece Hoover; and several great nieces and nephews, cousins and extended family and friends.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at Peninsula Funeral Home. The CDC highly recommends masks for inside gatherings. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 10, at Newport News Church of the Nazarene, 29 Harpersville Road, Newport News, with Revs. Walt Kriner, Kenneth Rice and Camelot Shuff. Go to 3nchurch.org for livestreaming (click on link Ed Cockes Funeral Service). Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Oakwood Cemetery in Surry.

Memorial donations may be made to Newport News Church of the Nazarene or your favorite charity.

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.