J. Arnold Cochran, 94, of Chattanooga, passed away Monday, August 18, 2025. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. He was born in Apalachee, Georgia and in 1947 was excited to move to Collegedale to attend Southern Missionary College. Due to his southern drawl, his fellow classmates gave him the nick-name "Apalachee" where sometimes they would shorten it to "Appie." Although he did not graduate, he received an honorary degree. He served on the Alumni Counsel and was very proud of that post. In 2005, he received the Outstanding Service Award for Alumni Association President 2003-2005 in recognition of his dedicated service to the Alumni Association. In 2004, both Arnold and Mary received the SMC-ite Achievement Award for their dedication and leadership. And in 2009, he received the first Presidential Ambassadors award. Arnold was so proud to serve his country when in 1952 was inducted into the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He also received a commendation from Joseph J. Corcoran, CWO USA Commanding, for his superior work he performed as a Sergeant-Major. After 14 years, he was able to contact Mr. Corcoran. While reminiscing, he stated, "Joe, you were the best soldier I had under me, in my entire 21 years military service." For Veteran's Day, he would have programs at church inviting service members, the Mayor, and such to come and to speak or just attend the festivities. For almost 13 years, Arnold worked as a wholesale appliance salesman, living in Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Columbus, Georgia. Then he changed sales career category and entered into the sales of snack food, selling for many years in 35 states. Later in life for several years he proudly worked at Publix until his retirement at the age of 92. One of his proudest awards was the trophy given to him in 1961 by Copeland & Co. as the Distinguished Salesman's Award. Arnold was a great storyteller and was known for sending cards for special occasions like birthdays, get well, sympathy, and special occasions. During summers, he would travel with the family to many states, historical places, national parks, and many baseball stadiums. He loved those baseball stadiums visiting nearly all of them. Arnold was baptized into the Adventist faith in the summer of 1946. He currently was a greeter and an active member of Chattanooga 1st Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Chattanooga. He was also a member of the Bowman Hills Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Cleveland for many years before moving back to Chattanooga in 2008. He was a faithful servant of the Lord until the very end. He was predeceased by his parents, Marion and Leona Cochran; wife of nine years, Barbara; wife of fifty-four years, Mary: brother, Frank Cochran: sister, Ethel Norrell: daughter, Cheryl Pupenbroke: step-daughters, Rosalynne Darlene Taylor and Delilah Cathleen "Cathy" Lewis, and step-grandson, Austin Newby; grandchildren, Trey Pupenbroke and Courtney Cochran, and great-grandson, Sylas Trimble. Survivors include son, Steve Cochran: daughter, Christy Trimble (Ken); son-in-law, Fred Pupenbroke; step-daughter Angie Cayea (Allen), step-son Edwin Cabe, Jr; step-sons-in-law, Gerald Taylor, Kevin Lewis; grandchildren, Heath Trimble, Tiffany Nelson (Coty), Stephanie Pupenbroke (Rob); step-grandsons Gerry Taylor (Angela), Chad Newby (Katie), Justin Cabe (Catrina), and Gavin Tinsley, step-granddaughters Leslie Taylor (Keith Perry) and Tess Tinsley; great-grandchildren, Greyson and Kinzley Trimble; great-step-grandchildren Colin Taylor, Connor Taylor, Ella Taylor, Eli Taylor, Andrew Gonzalez, and Charlotte Newby. Internment will be Friday, October 3 at 10:30 am at the Chattanooga National Cemetery, 1200 Bailey Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404 and a Memorial Service will be held Saturday, October 4 at 2:30 pm at Chattanooga First SDA Church, 7450 Standifer Gap Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions maybe made to Voice of Prophecy. https://www.voiceofprophecy.com/donate