Harlen Cochran of Centre, Alabama, passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the Perry Funeral Home Chapel, The family will receive friends on Friday, prior to the service, from 10:30 AM until 12 noon. A Private burial will take place in Cherokee Memory Gardens.
For 94 years, he was a humble man who consistently made extraordinary decisions. His choices led to widely recognized professional success and the deep respect of all who knew and loved him. He is preceded in death by the love of his life and wife of almost 74 years, Nellie Cochran; his parents, Major and Eva Cochran; and six brothers and sisters.
Harlen said he was blessed by “The Good Lord” with five generations of Cochrans. Their “Daddy” and “Paw Paw” had a deep and intimate relationship with each of his children and grandchildren. He passed on a legacy of faith, work ethic, and character, as well as an unfailing belief in the value of education.
His children are Lynn Cochran (Ann) and Kay Cochran Potter (Dennis). His grandchildren include Taylor Cochran (Casey), Blake Cochran (Lily), Sloan Potter (Allison), and Haylyn Potter Kracalik (David). Great-grandchildren are Hunter Cochran, Anna Cochran, Raylyn Cochran, Alexis Potter, Camille Potter, Bella Kracalik, and Samantha Kracalik; and great-great-grandson, Callum Bristol. Great-grandchildren by choice include Kevin Wells and Heather Wells.
Born in Hill City, Georgia, on May 12, 1931, Harlen’s family moved to Piedmont, Alabama, after the death of his mother when he was still a young boy. There he lived an adventurous life and enjoyed sharing stories of bicycling the mountains, fishing and swimming in creeks, and building hot rod cars.
Harlen and Nellie met at a church camp meeting and were married in 1951. He answered the call to serve his country during the Korean Conflict, leaving his young bride and infant son to spend one year in Tule, Greenland. Upon returning home, he used the GI Bill to earn a welding certification from Gadsden Technical College. He later continued his education at Jacksonville State University, where he earned his teaching certificate.
Harlen was the welding instructor at Cherokee County Vocational School for 30 years. Teaching was a God-given calling for him. While his program remains the most decorated in Alabama for student wins in district, state, and national welding competitions, his mission was never awards, but securing high-paying jobs for young men and women in Cherokee County.
Harlen Cochran’s legacy will live on in the many students he mentored, but most of all in the lives of his family. If he were here today, he would say his greatest accomplishments were his marriage, his children, and his grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made in his memory to Enhabit Hospice at encompasscares.org or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Enhabit Hospice of Rainsville, Cherokee Village Assisted Living Center, and Leslie Edwards, his long term caregiver.
Perry Funeral Home in charge of arrangements
