Community mourns Cpl. Sockalosky

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October 16, 2010

Becky Crissman Cordele Dispatch The Cordele Dispatch Sat Oct 16, 2010, 08:37 PM EDT

Cordele — A procession traveled Thursday to the Warner Robins Air Force Base to pick up the fallen Marine and bring him home to Cordele. They were met all along the route with red, white and blue as thousands of citizens lined the streets with American flags.

Prior to the service Saturday a montage of photographs of Sockalosky’s life was displayed on the stage. The magnitude of people rose to their feet as Crisp County High School JROTC Cadets along with Ssgt Royzell Cooper lined the stage for the service and the family entered the auditorium.

Remarks were given by Elizabeth Davis on behalf of members of Sockalosky’s family. She expressed the awed feeling of the family at the local support and thanks to all those who had in some way honored the Marine.

U.S. Congressman Jim Marshall spoke, offering condolences from U.S. Senator Sanford Bishop who was unable to attend. Marshall conveyed some words that Ssgt Cooper wished to be spoken about Sockalosky’s time in JROTC.

“During his time in JROTC, Sockalosky, like other cadets, created a list of goals,” he said. “They included joining the Marines, getting married and living a happy life. He also said that he wanted to be better with God. He also received over 88 awards during his time in the program.”

A video placed on Youtube in memory of Sockalosky was played, featuring more photos. The song “Some Gave All” by Billy Ray Cyrus was played. Rev. Roy Gibbs, who also taught Sockalosky at Crisp County High School spoke of him on behalf of the faculty and staff.

Rev. Gibbs recalled the young man’s love for the Atlanta Braves and how a good conversation about the team was an excellent tactic used to postpone the beginning of a test. He described Sockalosky as a “good student.”

A pre-recorded version of “Lead me Home” was played before the message was brought by Rev. J. T. Smith. Rev. Smith, who had known Sockalosky since he was a child offered words of comfort to the family, sharing memories and referencing scripture.

Members of the USMC served as pallbearers and carried Cpl. Sockalosky’s coffin out of the school. The procession was led by the Patriot Guard and members of local law enforcement to the Tremont Cemetery for burial.

Rainey Family Funeral services had charge of the arrangements.

Too view a photo memorial dedicated to Cpl. Sockalosky, please see page 8B in the Sunday, October 17, 2010 edition of the Cordele Dispatch.

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