Billy Griffin Cockrell

Billy Griffin Cockrell, 71, of Batesburg, passed away Sunday, April 26, 2026. Born in Batesburg, South Carolina, he was a son of the late Griffin and Annie Mae Trotter Cockrell. Billy was a member of First Baptist Church of Batesburg. He had a lifelong love for race cars and found great joy in working on his classic cars. More than anything, Billy treasured time with his grandchildren, who lovingly knew him as “Pop Pop.”

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Sheila Keisler Cockrell; daughter, Laura Cockrell (Zane Bedenbaugh); and his beloved grandchildren, Bryson and Mackenzie. He is also survived by his siblings, Randy Cockrell (Dale) and Allison Reese (Dave), along with many nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.

A memorial service to celebrate Billy’s life will be held at 4:00 P.M. on Wednesday, April 29th, at First Baptist Church of Batesburg, with Rev. Henry Stamper officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, April 28, at Milton Shealy Funeral Home, Batesburg-Leesville Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Batesburg, 436 W. Church St., Batesburg, SC 29006.

The family kindly requests that those who wish to honor Billy’s memory drive their classic cars to the service, a fitting tribute to one of his greatest passions.