NATCHEZ — Services for Milton E. “Paw Paw” Cockerham, 80, of Natchez, who died Saturday, March 27, 2010, at Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Alexandria, La., will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Oak Grove Free Methodist with the Rev. Everett Elzy and the Rev. Emmit Belgard officiating.

Burial will follow at Heard Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Home of Jonesville.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Oak Grove Free Methodist.

Mr. Cockerham was born March 15, 1930, in Joyce, the son of David Eugene and Sena Mae Cockerham.

He was reared in Jonesville and graduated from Block High School. He worked for Babin Motor Co. as an automotive mechanic for 38 years. After his retirement, he moved to Natchez and was a member of the Lighthouse Baptist Church. He proudly served in the U.S. Army and will be given military honors at the graveside services.

Mr. Cockerham was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, H.M. Cockerham and Donald Cockerham; two sons-in-law, Mickey Fair and Lionel Brooks.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Sarah Cockerham of Natchez; son, David Milton Cockerham of Natchez; daughters Judith Ann Smith and husband Carl, of West Monroe, Carolyn Faye Brooks of Liberty, Patrica Lee O’Gwynn and husband Larry, of Pineville, and Virginia Lynn Edwards and husband Carl of Ball; grandchildren Dewana Smith, Regina Moffit, Carlane Smith, Jeremy Fair, Aaron Brooks, Jarred Brooks, Jason Ivey, Ramsey O’Gwynn, David Cockerham, Shaun Edwards, Shane Edwards and Luara Willis; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be the grandsons Jason Ivey, David Cockerham, Shawn Edwards, Shane Edwards, Jeremy Fair, Aaron Brooks and Jarred Brooks.

Online condolences may be sent to www.youngsfh.com.