Rudolph Ernest "Ernie" Cockfield Jr. (77) passed away peacefully at McLeod Hospice House on October 29, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.

Ernie was a 1965 graduate of Rains-Cetenary High School. He served his country honorably and proudly in the United States Army from 1966-1969 and remained a faithful patriot his entire life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, R.E. Cockfield, Sr. and Flora Mae Capps Cockfield, his nephew, Keith Cannon and Annette P. Cockfield, the mother of his children.

Surviving are his wife, Patsy Dudley Cockfield of the home; his son, Sammy Cockfield (Jennifer) and his daughter,Tonya Cockfield (Rikki); sisters, Becky Wallace (Jimmy) of Marion, Shirley Darnell-Shelton (Ed) of Smithfield, Virgina, and Annie Cannon of Florence; grandchildren, Lauren and Samantha Cockfield and Seth and Blaine Willis; three loving nephews, a loving niece; one great-niece, and six great-nephews.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, November 3rd at 12:30 p.m. directed by Layton-Anderson Funeral Home, 4210 W. Palmetto St., Florence, SC 29501.

Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Layton-Anderson. Burial will be at Florence National Cemetery with military honors for Sergeant R.E. Cockfield. Pastor Jimmy Lee will officiate the service.

The Family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the staff and physicians of Agape Hospice and McLeod Hospice House for their loving care and compassion.

Memorials may be made to Agape Hospice, 301 Rainbow Drive, Florence, SC 29501 or  McLeod Hospice House, P.O.Box 100551, Florence, SC 29501 or Willow Creek Baptist Church, P.O. Box 13773, Florence, SC 29504 or to the Charity of one's choice.

Please sign the guestbook at www.laytonandersonfh.com