William Everett Cotton was born June 13th, 1933, and passed on October 27th, 2024, at the age of 91. He was a resident of Theodore, Alabama. Bill was educated in the public school system and graduated high school. After graduation he joined the U. S. Air Force and continued his education through classes offered at various bases, the University of Maryland, and the University of South Alabama. He served with honor for 22 years and 4 months and was promoted to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant before retiring in 1974. While serving in the Vietnam conflict, he earned the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service in Armed Conflict. Even after retirement, Bill never stopped working. He became a master carpenter, building houses and beautiful furniture for friends and family. Throughout his life Bill served others through many charitable organizations and the Catholic Church. He earned the Christ the King Medal for his service to others and his many charitable acts. Above all else, Bill loved his family; his wife of 68 years, Mary Jean, his 6 children, his 15 grandchildren, and his 29 great-grandchildren. He will be missed by all.
He is preceded in death by; his wife, Mary Jean Cotton; his father, William J. Cotton; his mother, Pauline B. Cotton; his sister, Dorothy Smith; and his grandson, Justin Payne.
Bill is survived by; his sister, Diane Briggs of Caldwell; his brother, John Cotton of Coeur d'Alene; his daughters, Jeanne (Norman) Hay of Theodore, Patricia Westbrook of Theodore, Teresa (Brant) Stewart of Theodore, Elizabeth (Charlie) Bowen of Mobile, Nancy (Allen) Myrick of Grand Bay; his son, William R. (Debbie) Cotton of Grand Bay; his grandchildren, Heather (Donnie) Gunn, Johnathan (Teresa) Hay, Trent (George) Cotton, Todd (Sara) Cotton, Whitney Cotton, Thomas (Monica) Cotton, Colin Westbrook, Katie (Chris) Hughes, Aaron Payne, Bryant Payne, Christy Hendon, Amanda (Chad) Fresolone, Ashley (Liliana) Plymale, Brittany (David) Devaney, and 29 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly, especially Wendy (Bubba) Mead.
Visitation for Mr. Cotton will be held at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home on Sunday, November 3rd, 2024, from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm. His funeral service will take place at Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church (Tillman's Corner) on Monday November 4th, 2024, at 10:00 am. Pastor of Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Monseigneur Kee, will be officiating the service. Burial will take place in Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery following the service.
June 13, 1933 — October 27, 2024
Interment will take place in Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery 6100 Three Notch Rd. Mobile, AL 36619
