by Scott Buttram, publisher
PINSON — Mayor Joe Cochran of Pinson died Friday morning following a long battle with ALS. He died peacefully at his home with his wife June and daughter Brooke Messina at his side.
Brooke expressed gratitude to the community for their love and support during Joe’s illness.
“Mom just still needs that prayer and love,” Brooke said. “Well, I guess we really all do. It’s hard. He was the most selfless man I know.”
Cochran served on Pinson’s first four city councils, an abbreviated first term when the city was incorporated and three full terms, before challenging incumbent Hoyt Sanders for the mayor’s seat in 2016. Cochran would lose that race, but ran again four years later and was elected Pinson’s second mayor.
Pinson Mayor Joe Cochran was honored for his years of service Friday, September 30. Photo by Loyd McIntosh
A native of Fultondale, he had a deep love for his city and the people of Pinson. Cochran was the longtime voice of the Pinson Valley High School Indians calling the games over the loudspeaker from the press box that now bears his name.
During the time that he was out of office, he never stopped working for the city. Cochran was instrumental in bringing Patrick Nix to Pinson to lead the Indians football team. That effort resulted in two state championships.
When Nix moved to Phenix City High School, Cochran was again involved in the search for his replacement, ultimately landing Sam Shade who led PVHS to yet another state title on the gridiron.
Related Story: City of Pinson: “Mayor Cochran’s passing leaves a void throughout the community”
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An avid Auburn fan, Cochran kept close tabs on Bo Nix’ career on the plains and at Oregon. But his love for the orange and blue was not a problem when former Indian Koolaid McKinstry shot to stardom in Tuscaloosa. On any given week, Cochran could tell you every play McKinstry had made for the Crimson Tide.
A memorial service will take place at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Birmingham. The arrangements are not complete at this time, but will be reported by the Tribune as soon as the details are available.
