COWART — David William Cotten, Sr., age 85, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 13, after a brief battle with Covid-19.
Visitation will be limited to family at Cowart Baptist Church from 1-2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 17. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. at Cowart Baptist Church. David will be laid to rest at Magnolia Gardens in Paynes.
Friendship East Baptist Church will be catering a meal for the family at the home of James Cotten after the service.
David was born on December 27, 1935 at the home of his parents, Frances and Fred Cotten, located on Milam Lane in Tallahatchie County. He graduated from West Tallahatchie High School, where he proudly wore the #88 for the football team.
David met the love of his life, Eunice Lee Riddell Cotten, at a small church in Walnut. They were married at Batesville Presbyterian Church on July 14, 1956. He often told the story of hauling water to the men who were building the First Presbyterian Church at White Lake when he was a young boy. When the church was closed in 1964, he purchased it and made the house of the Lord his family home where he taught his children what it means to be live a Christian life.
David was a hardworking Christian man who held down three jobs in the early years of his marriage to provide for his family and save money to open his own business. He worked as a welder in Webb by day, plowed fields and picked cotton in the afternoons with his father and worked until late at night side by side with his wife, Eunice, repairing farm equipment for the nearby farmers in the evening.
In 1963 his dreams of owning his own welding shop became a reality. He retired in 2008 and enjoyed his retirement by spending time with his grandchildren, teaching them the love of all forms of nature. He spent many relaxing afternoons fishing with his great-grandsons and granddaughters; he taught them how to hunt, how to raise a garden and how to enjoy a simple life. He was a role model for everyone he came in contact with.
In addition to his wife of 64 years, David is survived by three daughters, Sandra Lee Cotten Griffis and spouse Rod, Connie Frances Cotten Tutor and Barbara Ann Cotten Holley and spouse Charles; and two sons, David William Cotten, Jr. and spouse Robin and James Marion Cotten and spouse Gena.
He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-granddaughter.
David is also survived by one brother, Joseph Romey Cotten; and one sister, Dorothy Frances Cotton Hungerford.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frances and Fred Cotten; two brothers, James and Floyd Cotten; and one sister, Helen Cotten Shaw.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be sent to Cowart Baptist Church, 20181 MS Hwy 32 Central, and Charleston, MS 38921.
Womble Funeral Home has charge of arrangements. Condolences can be made online at www.womblefuneralhome.com.
