I lost my Big Brother Tommy Cockrell Jr. This morning after a long, valiant battle with the Big C. I'm sure, like me, you all have a Teacher, Mentor, whatever you want to call them who has helped shape and guide your path in the world of mechanical glory. Tom was mine. He is wholly responsible for my love of the Hot Rod. He could make anything he touched, faster, badder, and cooler than it had a right to be. My favorite memories of my youth are of doing things like helping him build and put a 409 in his '52 F-1 or putting a 500 horse small block on the ass-end of a homemade airboat that took flight and swamped at Nanjemoy on it's maiden run. I smile when I remember Him calling me on a Friday night to help tune up his wifes Blazer, and leaving Sunday night having pulled everything and installing an 850 horsepower 454 just to be funny. He told her he wanted her to break it in before putting the engine in his '37 Ford P/U. I owned a 2.3 liter Pinto in High School and popped a couple of pistons while street racing and had no cash for repairs. He came and took me to the junkyard and bought a used 428 Ford and tranny and said screw 4 bangers. two weeks later I had the baddest little car in the county. He had just finished a total resto on a '58 Belair when he got the news about his illness. He sold her and bought a brand new motorcycle. His excuse was the faster he went, the better his breathing. The stories can go on and on. I miss him already and it's only been a few hours.
Sorry for your loss. My dad still loves his (88 year old) big brother. I'm glad you have such good memories. God bless.
Sorry for your loss. You were lucky to have such a friend,now you can pass on what he taught you to someone else.
Thanks for the kind words Gang. I figured HAMBers would get what a difference people like Tom make in the big picture. I try to pass on the skills he passed to me. Don't have a Son, but got a pretty little Daughter. Maybe one of these young hoodlums that follow her home may get the spark.
George, just read your tribute to your brother, glad you contacted me and sorry for your loss. I remember Tommy as being kinda "crazy and wild" in good way!
Thanks Fellas. Was reminded while reading another thread, about how important some people are in shaping who we become.
Many condolences and hopefully your memories will provide some comfort with the loss of your brother. He must be smiling down also recounting the stories you two shared over the years.
Very sorry for your loss, you are so lucky to have had such a wonderful brother. I can only wish I had a bro like that.
I went to page 11, because that's where the good posts are. This one is hard to accept. He sounds like a really great person. Be glad about the time you had with him. Hang in there.........
Sorry for your loss . Our prayers are with you and your family . We laost our daughter 18 month ago If you need to talk feel free to PM me .
The Jalopy Journal
