Larry Sherman Cochran, 77, of Packs Branch, passed away on July 28, 2026, at Bowers Hospice House in Beckley following a long illness. He was born on June 17, 1949.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Della Mae Shupe Cochran and Dale Lundy Cochran.

Larry graduated from Mt. Hope High School in 1967 and was a former United Mine Workers coal miner and later worked in construction. Although he retired, retirement must have never really suited him. If someone needed a hand, Larry was there. Whether it was repairing equipment, building something from scratch, or figuring out how to fix what everyone else had given up on, he had a remarkable ability to mend, improve, and perfect almost anything. No project was too big or too small if it meant helping a friend, neighbor, or loved one, he inherently knew what to do.

Until last year, Larry would load his tractor and head to his sister's house to mow the acres of grass that were never left to grow. Afterwards, they would sit on the porch with coffee and coffee cake, telling stories, remembering old times and tackling repairs left behind by their father and his brother-in-law. Those simple days together would become treasured memories.

Larry lived life on his own terms, on a mountain in a cabin he built with his own hands. He was an avid ATV and UTV enthusiast who loved being outdoors whenever he could. He also had a lifelong love for dogs, sharing both his cabin and his heart with more loyal companions than many of us can remember.

To his nieces, he was an extraordinary storyteller, and some of the best memories of Larry weren't tied to a holiday or special occasion—they were simply sitting and listening. With one arm hooked over his knee and a cigarette burning between his fingers, he'd tell stories from his life with perfect timing, expressive gestures, dramatic pauses, and a laugh that let you know the best part was still coming. He didn't just tell stories; he relived them, and for a little while everyone listening was right there with him.

He is survived by his son, Larry Dale Cochran of Packs Branch; his beloved granddaughter, Elizabeth Cochran of Shady Spring; his sisters, Patsy Cochran Wills of Glen Jean and Tammy Cochran Huju of Grand Rapids, Minnesota; his aunt, Dora Williams of Packs Branch; his nieces, Karri Wills of Beckley, Jamie Wills Hogan and her husband, Jonathan, of Fayetteville, and Victoria Huju Sher and her husband, Kyle, of Akeley, Minnesota; his nephews, Jonny Huju and his partner, Bethany, of Madison, Alabama, and Kristian Huju and his wife, Hannah, of Bigfork, Minnesota; his great-nephews, Solomon Rogers of Beckley, Sawyer Hogan of Fayetteville, Hudson, Oliver, and Graham Sher of Akeley, Minnesota, and Teddy, Victor, and Nathan Huju of Madison, Alabama; his great-niece, Olivia Hogan of Fayetteville; and many cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever remember his willing hands, his unforgettable stories, and the unmistakable way he lived life entirely as himself.

His family will remember him every time an engine starts, a tractor rolls across a field, a dog waits faithfully by the door, or a story grows just a little taller with each telling. Larry's legacy lives on in every helping hand, every story shared around a porch or kitchen table, and every person who was fortunate enough to know him.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, July 31, 2026 at Tyree Funeral Home Chapel 999 Jones Avenue Oak Hill WV, 25901 with closing prayer by, Pastor Richard Allen. Burial will follow at Williams Argabright Cemetery in Pack's Branch, WV. 

Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to service at the funeral home in Oak Hill.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tyreefuneralhome.com

The family of Mr. Larry Cochran is being cared for by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill.