Ernest Cotton

Ernest E. “Bill” Cotton, 82, of Hobson, passed away August 23, 2020 at Grove Hill Memorial Hospital. He was born in Washington County on June 7, 1938 to Ernest Leon and Mary Beech Cotton. Bill graduated from University of Montevallo with a degree in accounting he worked for a few local paper companies, later joining Gardner Mirror in North Carolina and retiring as Secretary Treasurer after a successful career of 35 years. Billy was a proud Vietnam Veteran and served in the Army 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). He loved sports football, baseball, and after pitching in high school and college he continued his love for the game and coached many young men, he enjoyed being a pitching coach and was grateful for the opportunity to coach his grandson. Bill was a 49 year member of the Mt. Pleasant Masonic Lodge #573 in Wilkesboro, NC, he was a Shriner and 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason.

Bill is survived by his wife of many years, Barbara Raborn Cotton; son, Doug (Donna) Cotton; grandson, William Riley (Quinn) Cotton; brothers, Clyde (Renda) Cotton, Wayne (Mary Evan) Cotton, Aven Cotton and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at Lathan Funeral Home in Chatom with a viewing from 1-2 with Bro. Steve Foster officiating and Lathan Funeral Home directing. Burial rites will be given by St. Stephens Masonic Lodge at Jones-Beech Cemetery immediately following the service.

Pallbearers will be Charley Cotton, Tom Cotton, Heath Cotton, John Smith, Pate Smith and Gill Cotton.