Ueastes "Hooch" Cochran

Ueastes "Hooch" Cochran, age 83, of Cherryville, passed away Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Caromont Regional Medical Center. He was born October 27, 1942, in Swain County, to the late James Harley and Fannie Burr Cochran.

Hooch was a long-time member of Soul’s Harbor Tabernacle. He also served for many years as a deacon and as the Sunday School Superintendent. Hooch was an avid NASCAR fan and enjoyed tinkering and working on different projects. He was also a master welder and pipe fitter.

In addition to his parents, Hooch was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Barbara Newton Cochran; and siblings, Sid Cochran, Dockie Cochran, Leslie Cochran, Dewey Cochran, Pearlee Mason, and Fred Cochran.

Survivors include his wife, Dot Cooper Cochran; children, Michael Cochran (Angie), Wayne Cochran (Sharon), Paula Cochran, and Diane Jackson (Jonathan); stepchildren, Janice Hovis (Mitchell), and Lynn Fraley (Robert); siblings, Mary Ingle, Geraldine Gunter, and Cliff Cochran (Sharon); 12 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Soul's Harbor Tabernacle –271 Camp Rotary Rd. Gastonia, NC 28052, with Rev. James Chambers officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM until 2:45 PM, prior to the service at the church.

A private burial will take place at Gaston Memorial Park, at a later date.

Condolences may be made to www.carpenterporter.com