Frankie Lee Cochran, II, 82, of Houston, Texas, passed away on March 3, 2026, surrounded by his family. Lee was born in Odessa, Texas to Frankie Lee Cochran and Bertha Elizabeth West Cochran, where he grew up deeply rooted in West Texas life and values. He attended Odessa High School, Odessa College, and completed his undergraduate and graduate studies at Texas Tech University.

Standing 6’5”, Lee was quite literally larger than life—his height matched by a booming voice, a big laugh, and a personality that filled every room he entered. He was loud, loquacious, and unforgettable, the kind of person people gravitated toward and remembered.

A lifelong lover of music, Lee filled his home and his days with song—whether it was a favorite record, a tune hummed under his breath, or the joy of singing in his church choir. He was a devoted Texas Tech fan, but his love of sports stretched far beyond the Red Raiders; he followed just about any game, any team, any season with enthusiasm and strong opinions.

Lee built a long and respected career in finance, earning various professional awards and recognitions over the years, though he rarely spoke of them. His colleagues and clients knew him as a principled, generous, and deeply knowledgeable professional. Outside of work, he was an expert in Texas history and family genealogy, able to recount stories, connections, and lineages with remarkable detail.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Kay (Tripp Jacobs) Cochran, and his children: Laura Cochran Canfield, Kathleen Cochran Christian, Matthew Lee Cochran (Arie), and Elizabeth Lindsay Cochran.

He was a proud grandfather to Raney Estelle (Stella) Christian, Grant Waterman Christian, Theodore Harris Christian, and McKenna Lee Cochran. He is also survived by his siblings Beth Cochran Childs, Joe Alan Cochran, Madelyn Cochran Farmer, Virginia Cochran, and Janis Anne Cochran Test, as well as 13 nieces and nephews and 10 great-nieces and great-nephews. Lee was preceded in death by his parents and his niece, Julie Elizabeth Wilson.

Those who knew him will remember his booming laugh, his endless stories, his love of history and music, and the fierce devotion he had for his family. His presence was large, his personality even larger, and he will be profoundly missed by all who loved him.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 10, at 10:00 a.m. at John Wesley Methodist Church, 5830 Bermuda Dunes Dr., Houston, TX 77069. Memorial donations may be made to John Wesley Methodist Church designated for the Trinity Boys and Girls Boarding Schools in Kenya, or to the charity of your choice. The service will be streamed live at jwchurch.org/col.