Cochran | McDaniel

Although the name of Cochran Funeral Home is changing, the commitment and legacy that their communities have known continues. Losing Steve Cochran was a tremendous heartbreak to the Cochran organization and the communities he served. He was a visionary for the business and was known by so many for the care, compassion, and help he provided to them during their greatest time of need. After Steve’s unexpected death in December 2022, two of his sons, Gabriel and David Cochran along with Matthew McDaniel joined Max to lead Cochran Funeral Homes. In October 2023, Gabriel, David, and Matthew became CO-Owners with Max and officially became Cochran|McDaniel Funeral Homes, Inc. in January 2024.

Gabriel Cochran grew up in the funeral industry and began working with his dad as a young man. He remembers many of the early days when Cochran was expanding and extending their reach of care to the surrounding communities. Serving families has been a way of life for him growing up in the business. Gabriel began his mortuary degree soon after high school and is a 2002 graduate of Gupton-Jones College. He is a licensed funeral director and embalmer in Georgia and North Carolina. Gabriel and his wife Amanda have one daughter, Olivia, and are natives of Fannin County.

David Cochran began shadowing his father, Steve, in the funeral home at an early age and has spent nearly 20 years of his life dedicated to the mission of Cochran Funeral Homes. He is proud to continue in his father’s footsteps and continue his legacy. David plans to further his experience in funeral service by pursuing a mortuary science degree. David and Darlena have been married since 2016 and they enjoy spending time together.

Matthew McDaniel, a friend of the Cochran family, served as a pastor for twenty years in the same communities that Cochran Funeral Home has served. He ministered three years in Hayesville, North Carolina, and seventeen in the McCaysville community. After completing 12 years as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church McCaysville-Copperhill in March of 2022, he transitioned to work for Cochran full-time. With a B.A. in Business Administration and a master’s in divinity, McDaniel felt God prepared him through the years of full-time ministry for a second calling in funeral service to minister to families in their darkest hour and work in the operations of Cochran Funeral Homes. McDaniel is a 2024 Jefferson State Community College graduate where he earned his mortuary degree. Matthew and his wife Miranda have been married for 21 years and have two sons, Mason, and Marshall.

Steve and Max Cochran built a tremendous legacy when they purchased their first funeral home in Blairsville in 1981. As they expanded Cochran Funeral Homes they served families in the communities of Blairsville, Blue Ridge, McCaysville, Hiawassee, and Murphy providing an environment to honor the lives of those families entrusted to their care. The Cochran name has become synonymous with care, compassion, and help in a time of need providing traditional and cremation services. Max Cochran was excited to partner with his two nephews and McDaniel as they continue the legacy for the generations to come.

According to McDaniel, “It is such a privilege to serve with a family that I have known and loved for so many years. I have had the privilege to serve as pastor to Steve’s family and enjoyed a friendship with Gabriel and David for many years. It has been a tremendous joy to get to know and love Max’s since I joined the Cochran family.” Cochran|McDaniel Funeral Homes chapels of Blairsville, Blue Ridge, Hiawasse, McCaysville, and Murphy have an amazing staff who are privileged to continue this amazing legacy of care and compassion. For more information about Cochran|McDaniel, and the detailed history of the Cochran Legacy, visit their website at www.cochranmcdaniel.com.