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William Cottrell Obituary
WILLIAM AUSTIN COTTRELL (Age 72)
On Monday, January 30, 2012, of Silver Spring, MD. Beloved husband for 30 years of LeLoy Cottrell; father of Stephanie Cottrell, Jennifer Thompson, Deborah Mamana and Mark Breslin; brother of Richard Cottrell. Also survived by his grandchildren, Zachary, Kristiana, Rachel, Sara, Julia, Jamie, and Joey. Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard, West, Silver Spring, MD, Friday, February 3, 2012, 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. Private Graveside Service at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions in his memory may be made to the Fisher House Foundation, 111 Rockville Pike, #420, Rockville, MD 20850.www.COLLINSFUNERALHOME.com
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Memories and Condolences
for William Cottrell
Gail Litherland
January 26, 2025
I remember Bill and LeLoy well. We had many good times with our Methodist church group.
At Arlington National Cemetery
LeLoy Cottrell
February 7, 2019
Top Gun at Hahn AB, Germany 1981
LeLoy Cottrell
February 4, 2019
LeLoy Cottrell
February 4, 2019
LeLoy Cottrell
February 4, 2019
LeLoy Cottrell
February 4, 2019
LeLoy Cottrell
February 4, 2019
Tom Carter
June 28, 2012
LeLoy:
We just now learned of Bill's passing, but wanted to let you know we are thinking of you. We always liked Bill and you, and are sorry we lost contact. We hope you're doing well. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tom Carter & Linda Rasmussen
Brenda Loney
March 28, 2012
Dear Leloy,Stephanie, Jennifer and family~ Our deepest sympathies for your loss. Remembering a gentleman who made great contributions throughout his life and will be well remembered. ~With love from all your friends in Victoria, B. C.
Brenda and Barry Loney and family
Judy Sparks
February 22, 2012
Dear Leloy,
It has been many years since I have seen you, but loved you then and love you now. I did not know Bill, but I know that he is in a wonderful place. I also know that you are not now, but as long as you keep him close, his love and strength will sustain you until you meet again. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Charles & Pat Jurek
February 21, 2012
Bill Cottrell, besides being a good husband, father and friend, is a hero. People like us are able to enjoy a prosperous and enjoyable life because brave men like Bill did the difficult things required to keep us safe and sound. Bill made the hard sacrifices and put himself in harm's way to defend our liberty and way of life. He is now gone to a better place. We know there is a special place in heaven for righteous warriors like Bill. It is an honor to have known Bill and we salute him as an American hero and a good friend.
Skip and Linda Griffin
February 20, 2012
Leloy, we send our thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Losing our fellow comrades at Kelly AFB is like losing family, and we want you to know we also send our love. God bless you all. Linda and Skip Griffin
Eddie Reyna
February 20, 2012
Leloy my condolences to you and your family.
Eddie J. Reyna
Laredo, Tx
Billy Markette
February 13, 2012
I had the pleasure of working with Bill around 2000, in San Antonio. His fatherly advice, his contribution to a positive moral, and his war stories will never be forgotten. I still have his nameplate from his desk that he left behind just above my computer. A war-hero, a husband, father and friend. He had it all. Now he is flying on angels wings. God bless him and his family.
Dr. Johnny Cottrell
February 13, 2012
I wouldn't trade anything for the time Bill and I have had in the last few years to re-connect and share childhood memories. He was a true American hero. He made a difference and he will be missed.
Bill and Johnny Cottrell, 2008
Elizabeth Cottrell
February 12, 2012
Leloy, Stephanie, Jennifer, Debbie and Mark and your families: When I married into the Cottrell family, Bill was a much admired and respected cousin. It was a privilege to have the chance, when Bill and Leloy moved to Maryland, to get to know him and appreciate why others loved him so much. The best of him lives on in each of you, and I lift you up in prayer for comfort, peace, and good memories. Johnny joins me in sending our love and condolences.
Virgie Hardy
February 12, 2012
to leloy and girls i would like to offer my condolences in the passing of bill he was such a great person. i remember seeing pictures of him with his mom and aunt dee and uncle joe and aunt ot and leloy he took such great care of them. keep in touch love and prayers virgie hardy
Ruth Thompson
February 8, 2012
My sister, Pat Ruck and I would like to offer our condolences in the passing of Bill. We enjoyed visiting and talking to Bill each time we met both in New Zealand and America. He was a very loving father to Jennifer and grandfather to Kristiana and Zachary. Our deepest sympathy to Leloy and the extended family.
Michelle Jones
February 7, 2012
To Jennifer, Martyn, Zac and Kristi and family. Sending you much love and peace. I never knew your Dad, only through you. Just from that it is obvious what a wonderful man he was. May he rest in eternal peace.
Keith Place
February 7, 2012
Leloy, Stephanie, Jennifer and family,
I was sorry to hear about Bill's passing. I use to enjoy talking to him about his flyings days, Bill was a man's man. He has a zest for life and a deep love for family, faith and country.
Stephanie Cottrell
February 6, 2012
Thank you Daddy for teaching me so much in my life. For sharing your compassion for others and especially for animals. For all the help with scouts and camping trips and adventures and travels - for always being there. We will know you now by the breezes in the trees and smells of home cooking and the roar of jet engines, the nuzzel of a warm puppy - I miss you. Love you always, Stephanie Cottrell
ANYONE that would like would like to make a lasting memorial statement in honor of our Dad please:
Make contributions in his memory to the Fisher House Foundation, 111 Rockville Pike, #420, Rockville, MD 20850.
http://www.fisherhouse.org/
Hugh Lovelady
February 5, 2012
Each of our lives has been enriched in having known Bill even though it was over a short period of time. For that we give thanks because that is one of the ways in which we grow in our lives, meeting and knowing people with Bill's qualities and character. Although he is no longer with us we are fortunate to have our memories to help us through these difficult times. Pattie and I think of you often and were always interested when you shared updates of Bill's health. Death truly loveth a shining mark.
Love,
Pattie and Hugh Lovelady
Gail Litherland
February 5, 2012
LeLoy and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of loss. Dave and I knew you and Bill through church at Universal City United Methodist Church in Texas. We had such good times together when our fellowship group met each month. I know you will miss Bill as I miss my Dave. They are together in Heaven now.
Norman Malayney
February 3, 2012
This is a brief summary of one mission Bill Cottrell flew to North Vietnam while with the 12 TFW.
6 August 1967 Phantom 61
Mission primary, Irving road recce. We were diverted to Hillsboro FAC coming off the refueling tanker. Made rendezvous with FAC South East of Bat Lake, North Vietnam, and were diverted to more lucrative target 330/20/Ch109, a camouflaged enemy truck and troops. Rendezvoused with Misty 22 F-100 FAC. He had to make two passes to get a marker off. High surface winds caused smoke to dissipate rapidly (30 knots) combined with scattered clouds made target very difficult to acquire.
William A. Cottrell.
Norman Malayney
February 3, 2012
6 August 1967 Phantom 61
Mission primary, Irving road recce. We were diverted to Hillsboro FAC coming off the tanker. Made rendezvous with FAC SE of Bat Lake, North Vietnam, and were diverted to more lucrative target 330/20/Ch109 – camouflaged truck and troops. Rendezvoused with Misty 22 F-100 FAC. He had to make two passes to get a marker off. High surface winds causing smoke to dissipate rapidly (30 knots) combined with scattered clouds made target very difficult to acquire. William A. Cottrell.
Everett Sherwood
February 2, 2012
LeLoy and Family,
Please accept our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. I met Bill for the first time at the 12 TFW Reunion in DC and liked him immediately. Another of our great USAF Pilots has flown West to join up with some other great defenders.
E J Sherwood, 12 TFW Association
February 2, 2012
I remember Bill well from Lamar High School, a fine young man and student, I am so proud of him for serving his country, Robert J. Dunlap, Class of 1957
Steven Flynn
February 1, 2012
My thoughts and prayers or with you and your family in this difficult time.
Alice Cottrell Stordal
February 1, 2012
Leloy, Stephanie and Jennifer and family,
May God Bless the soul of my cousin Billy, Veteran pilot, beloved husband, father and grandpa. He did the Cottrell name proud.
Love and prayers for all.
February 1, 2012
Leloy, Our thoughts, prayers, and love are with you and your family.
Sam, Carole and Lisa Lanham
February 1, 2012
My deepest sympathy for your loss. May you find comfort and peace from God during this difficult time. Romans15:13
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