Carolina Panthers security guard dies suddenly
Charlotte NC May 16 2019
Beyond simply the players and the coaching staff, there are so many different people who work to make the Carolina Panthers and their games a success. Though their work often goes unheralded, it is still very much appreciated by those who make their living in professional football: As the work of Floyd Cochran was.
Floyd Ronnie Cochran, a longtime security guard affectionately known as “Bubba”, died suddenly Friday evening at the age of 72. Cochran, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, had worked for Show Pro Entertainment Services as the on-field crowd management supervisor at Carolina Panthers games and other events at Bank of America Stadium. As noted by Nick Carboni of WCNC, Cochran was a fixture at both Panthers games and training camp alike.
After learning of Cochran’s passing, several Panthers past and present took to Twitter to express their condolences. Retired defensive end Charles Johnson did so, as did former wide receiver/wide receivers coach Ricky Proehl and quarterback Derek Anderson – All of whom were “I have so many great memories with Bubba,” wrote Gano. “He always had my back on the sidelines by the kicking net and occasionally knocked my ball off the tee on purpose. Gonna miss you Bubba.”
Like the players, several members of the media covering the Panthers also offered affectionate snapshots as to the person Cochran was. Darin Gantt of Pro Football Talk said that Cochran always had “a huge laugh and a story to tell.” Kelsey Riggs of WCNC stated that Cochran seemed like a tough guy at first glance, but treated people royally once he got to know them.
“(He) Always greeted me with a smile, snuck me on his golf cart when I had gear & always asked about my family,” wrote Riggs of Cochran. “Will truly be missed.”
Cochran was a native of Charlotte, born October 9, 1946 to Floyd Walter Cochran and Avis Flowers Cochran. He is preceded in death by his parents, and survived by son Ronnie.
Visitation for Cochran will take place Wednesday evening from 6 PM to 8 PM at McEwen Funeral Service-Derita Chapel, with a funeral mass taking place the next day at 11 AM. A committal service and burial will take place shortly afterwards at Forest Lawn West Cemetery in Charlotte.
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