Barry Cockfield

Joe Barry Cockfield, 76, of Abbeville, S.C. died peacefully Sunday, October 15, 2023 at Cascades Verdae Memory Care in Greenville, S.C.

Born in Abbeville, S.C., on October 13, 1947, he was the husband of Patricia Haddon Cockfield and the son of the late William Howell Cockfield, Jr. and Mildred Celestial Cockfield.

Barry graduated from Dixie High School in 1965 where he was a talented athlete in track, basketball and football, ultimately making All State and the state’s North/South Football team. He was also awarded the honor of being selected for Boys State. Barry then went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree from Clemson University in 1969 where he was a Varsity Football player for his treasured Clemson Tigers. Barry played both center and tight-end and began lettering on the Varsity team his sophomore year.

Barry worked in many roles during his extended career at Milliken, including, Abbeville Plant Superintendent and Quality Assurance Manager at the Pendleton, Cushman, and Abbeville plants. During his time with Milliken’s Research Center, he received special recognition for his development of several patents for Milliken and was also honored with an All-Star Award. Prior to joining Milliken, he served as Recreation Director in Belton, S.C. from 1972-1975. Barry was a dedicated coach for young athletes in a variety of sports.

He was a member of Upper Long Cane Presbyterian Church in Abbeville, SC during his early years, a member of First Baptist Church of Belton, S.C. for much of his adult life and a member at First Baptist Church of Simpsonville, S.C. with his youngest daughter’s family during his retirement years.

Barry was a proud U.S. Army Veteran who served as a First Lieutenant during the Vietnam War. He loved fishing, hunting, watching Clemson football, snorkeling, traveling, and spending time with family. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited and often helped in the historic hash making process at the Shiloh Community Center.

Barry is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Pat Cockfield; his daughters Kelly Boulden and her husband the Honorable Timothy Boulden, of Newark, DE, Kim Brady and her husband Brent Brady of Greenville, S.C.; brother, Gary Cockfield, Sr. and his wife Jane of Harrisonburg, VA, brother, Billy Cockfield and his wife Carolyn of Greenwood, S.C.; grandchildren, Zach Boulden, Trevor Boulden, Blake Brady, Anna Larson Brady, and Tanner Barry Boulden.

The family will receive friends 2:00PM - 3:00PM, Sunday, October 22, 2023 in the Upper Long Cane Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.  Funeral services will begin at 3:00 PM, Sunday, in the church sanctuary with Rev. Gordon Tubbs officiating.   Burial will follow in Long Cane Cemetery.

Flowers are welcomed, or memorials may be sent to the Barry Cockfield Athletic Scholarship Fund, Dixie High School, PO Box 158, Due West, SC 29639.

A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com. 

Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Abbeville is assisting the Cockfield family.