Charles Franklin "Chuck" Cockerille, 69, of Urbanna, Va., formerly of Greenwood, Va., died Sunday, Nov. 27, 2005, in Charlottesville. Surrounded by loving friends and family, Chuck passed peacefully with courage and dignity at his daughter's Charlottesville home.

A tenth-generation Virginian, Chuck was born on April 28, 1936, in Staunton, Va. Chuck was a member of Albemarle High School's first graduating class and went on to serve his country in the United States Air Force. He was a lifelong Episcopalian, a devoted patriot and student of the United States Constitution, a master craftsman, woodworker and gunsmith, and ultimately a man possessed of deep passion in both thought and deed, also known for his spirited humor and unique use of the English language.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Frank O'Neil Cockerille and Eloise Henkel Cockerille and a nephew, Silas Wright Barnes III.

Chuck leaves two daughters, Suzannah Cockerille Talton of New Bern, N.C. and Mary Cockerille of Charlottesville, Va.; and two grandchildren, Branham O'Neil Talton and Margaret O'Neal Talton of New Bern, N.C. Chuck is also survived by six siblings, Eleanor "Bambi" Labiosa of Houston, Tex., Tinka Martin of Manteo, N.C.; Elizabeth "Betsy" Cockerille Swann of Charlottesville, Va., John Cockerille of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Laura Cockerille Gianinni of Barboursville, Va., and Martha "Marcy" King of Danville, Va., along with 15 nieces and nephews. "Uncle Chuck" also leaves behind his long-time friend and confidante, Claudia Weber of Pforzheim, Germany and countless friends in Urbanna, the Northern Neck, Greenwood, Charlottesville, and North Carolina, as well as friends in Europe and lays to rest, at last, Murphy M.F. Arschloch.

Visitors will be received from 6 to 9 p.m. this evening, at the daughter's home in Charlottesville.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, 2005, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Greenwood. Interment will be private. Hill and Wood Funeral Services is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, it was Chuck's request that donations be made to Downtown Family Health Care, 313 Second St, SE, #300, attn: Dr. Gelburd, Charlottesville, VA 22902, Hospice of the Piedmont, 2200 Old Ivy Road, Suite 2, Charlottesville, VA 22903, or Meals on Wheels, KCRC, 2270 Ivy Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903.

Obituary submitted by Sam Clarke.

Name submitted by Patricia Rogers (Layne)