Robert "Bob" Cockerill Darden

Born in Elkins, WV, on September 11, 1946, he was the first born child of George Edward Darden, Jr and Norma Cockerill Darden. Bob graduated from Elkins High School in 1964. After high school, he attended a Junior College in Ocala, FL before deciding to serve in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam. While serving with the USN, he was stationed in London, England which is where he met his future wife, Barbara. After returning to the States, he made a career in sales.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara, son Chris (Jen) of Chattanooga, TN, daughter Ali Jordan (Matt) of Athens, GA, and brother Tom (Nancy) of Fairmont, WV. He is also survived by Cyrus, his only grandson. Bob’s favorite and most often used quote of late was an ode to his grandson: “#5 in your program and #1 in our heart”, which was in reference to his grandson’s baseball jersey number. Bob and Barbara spent many days traveling around the Southeast watching Cy play baseball.

Bob was preceded in death by both his parents, sister Carroll, brother Jim and his wife Cyndi.

In “retirement”, Bob enjoyed spending his mornings with the grounds crew at The Newnan Country Club, mixing his love of gardening and golf into one hobby. But Bob is probably more well known as being a drummer. He played in as many bands as he could while growing up in Elkins. School bands, rock n roll bands and the WV Highlanders. But prior to work taking he and his family away, he had spent the better part of two decades with the Appal Core, a local jazz band that entertained friends and family around Elkins. The band’s high point and honor was to perform in Washington D.C. at the request of U.S. Senator Jennings Randolph.

Affectionately known as Mr. Bob by many, he had never met a stranger and generally had some of the most positive spins on life. He loved the Atlanta Braves, the WVU Mountaineers and the UGA Bulldogs.

A celebration of life will be held at The Newnan Country Club on Sunday, November 8, 2026 from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm. A committal service will be held at the Georgia National Cemetery 1080 Scott Hudgens Drive Canton, GA 30114 on Thursday, November 19, 2026 at 9:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Bob’s honor to Brightmoor Hospice 3247 Newnan Rd Griffin, GA (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=QC6QFYBKAFJN2).

Please share memories and condolences at www.nationalcremation.com.