In 1998, Mockbee was diagnosed with leukemia. After a strong and near miraculous recovery he went on to accept awards and recognition for his work including the MacArthur Foundation Genius Grant.
Mockbee was posthumously awarded the American Institute of Architects' (AIA) Gold Medal, December 2003. He joins the ranks of past winners including Thomas Jefferson, Frank Lloyd Wright, I.M.Pei and Tadao Ando.
The Rural Studio is located in Hale County, Alabama and carries on Mockbee's legacy.
The Rural Studio has become a launching board for the careers of Mockbee's former students.