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William Cotty Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for William Cotty
Leonard B McAbee, Jr.
July 20, 2025
Bill was a wonderful man. I knew him from our days at Erskine College.
Donald Jonas
July 20, 2025
I practiced law with Bill for 40 years. During that time I watched Molly and Ann Marie grow up and always looked forward to the occasions when Amelia would join us. Bill had many strengths as a lawyer and politician, always trying to help and improve things, but not as a carpenter. One late night I returned to our office, a restored post civil war building , to the sound of shattering glass coming from his office, where I found him still holding a hammer that he had used to secure some molding around the window behind his desk. He was bleeding from a cut from the shattered glass. Fortunately our office was directly behind Baptist Hospital and it was a short walk to the ER. When I returned, I cleaned up and confiscated all the hammers and tools I could find and for his own sake, refused to return them. Bill was a good man and contributed so much to our community and state.
Carolyn Rightsell
July 21, 2024
Bill was a great guy always friendly. Became acquainted while he served on the Richland 2 School Board. Condolences to his family.
Don and Sandy Jonas
July 20, 2021
40 years of memories of Bill, Amelia, Will, Molly and Ann Marie. Bill always pushing the limits of time shared between family, service and profession. Never forget sitting in the car with Bill, Amelia and Sandy waiting to leave the parking lot after the Carolina Cup. Between Bill and Amelia, Sandy and I were incapacitated with laughter. He was an exceptional man. Best wishes for the Cotty family - you all have a place in my heart.
Ken Wilson
March 10, 2020
Dear Bill, we miss you so much. You were more than our friend, you were our brother and an eternal light that will always shine on the MHS class of 1964 forever...KW
Carolyn Rightsell
July 21, 2019
Bill was a wonderful person. I became aquainted with him when I worked in Richland School District 2. I remember him wearing a costume to an event. He had a refreshing way of showing his sense of humor and free spirit.
Sherri Brosius
December 14, 2016
I have just seen that I missed the passing of Mr. Cotty - he was so very kind to me during my time in Kershaw County school politics. I felt that I was in the presence of a brilliant mind when I did get to speak to him. South Carolina was so very lucky to have his service. My deepest condolences.
August 15, 2016
So saddened to hear of Wild Bill's passing. Had so much fun when I was clerking with him and always appreciated the generous offer he made to me when I finished law school. Can't believe Will is now a retired colonel! My how life passes so quickly. The state will truly miss his presence. Gene Pruitt
Sherry Beck
August 4, 2016
Dear Amelia & Family,
I was out of town last week and just heard of Bill's passing. He was always one of mine and John's favorite people. I loved his crazy sense of humor! He was a great person, legislator, and attorney. My deepest condolences.
Angelica LaCaprucia Burton
August 1, 2016
You will always be remembered fondly, because you were a good friend of my parents, you had a wicked sense of humor and yes, because you married us at my parents home so many years ago. Rest in peace.....your work here is done.
Kelly Doyle- Jordan
July 31, 2016
Will, I am so sorry for the loss of your Father! You and your family are in my prayers!
Sincerely,
Kelly Doyle Jordan
July 31, 2016
I was terribly distressed when I saw Bill's obit. I remembered our across the street neighbor and his family, especially little Molly with happy empties. Odell and I wish our sincerest sympathy to you and yours. Odell has dementia but remembered the Cottys. Our prayers are with you all in your bereavement.
Purdy and Odell McLeod
July 29, 2016
So sorry for your lost. We will all miss him.
Teri Salane
July 29, 2016
A good lawyer, a good man, he made the world a better place. Blessings to you and your family, Amelia. Teri Salane
Elaine Camp
July 28, 2016
Amelia, please accept my deepest sympathies for the loss of your dear Bill. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
July 28, 2016
I remember Bill fondly as a title researcher, I did some work for him. One day, I had bought some new clothes and wore them to work and he told me I looked like "Ford's answer to Lee Iacocca". I always smile when I remember this and other conversations we had. He was a great man. May God comfort his family in this time of grief.
Leonard McAbee, Jr.
July 28, 2016
I was very sorry to hear that Bill had passed. He was a very fine individual. I attended Erskine with him. You and your family are in my prayers.
July 28, 2016
I'm so sorry for your loss.
July 27, 2016
I'm so sorry for your loss.
July 27, 2016
Amelia, sorry to hear that Billy passed, he and I were fraternity brothers at Hampden-Sydney and other than my roommate, Billy was my closest friend. Sounds like he blossomed into an absolutely fine gentleman. Go with grace my friend.
Sam Shiplett, Midlothian, Virginia
Vanessa Polson
July 27, 2016
Amelia and children:
So very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was a nice man and friend. Each time I saw him he always had a big smile and asked how I was doing...I know that no one can take his place in your lives...I pray for God's peace and love during this time.. Love you Amelia...
Vanessa Polson-Medlin
Carolyn Rightsell
July 27, 2016
I met Bill while working in Richland School District 2. During his service on the Board of Trustees he enhanced the lives of a multitude of children.
He always greeted everyone with a warm smile and a heartfelt hand shake. I join with you and the community in celebrating his life and many accomplishments. I extend my sincere sympathy for your loss.
July 27, 2016
Jim and Sally Anderson, Laura, and Jim Jr. also.
Jacquelyn FrostBurnett and family
July 27, 2016
To the family, please accept our sincere sympathy. Bill was a dear friend to me and my family. Truly he will be missed, but never will he be forgotten.
Lynn Wiggins
July 27, 2016
Amelia and family, I returned to Columbia last year and had gone by the old office a couple of months ago to see if I could catch Bill, but it was locked up tight. I am so sorry and I will miss him. He was a very important part of my life, especially when he married Don and I. My condolences. He will be missed.
Charles Aroneck
July 27, 2016
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Patti and Bob Robinson
July 27, 2016
Our sympathy to Amelia and all of Bill's family. His ready wit will be sorely missed.
Patti and Bob Robinson
July 27, 2016
Years ago Bill and I were in the same public affairs unit in the National Guard, and I have many fond memories of those days and of the contributions he made. His passing is a great loss for us all.
Ken and Lois Bell
July 27, 2016
Bill will be dearly missed! Few people have lived such a full and meaningful life, to have loved and be loved by so many. May the gifts he shared - his laughter, warmth, wisdom and love - fill your hearts with memories and bring you comfort and peace. Our prayers are with and your families.
Gregg & Zuli Thompson
July 27, 2016
His devotion to his family, community, and country set the standards for all to emulate! I had the opportunity to work with him and see his views on life. He was a great man and leader that had a great vision on life. Bill you will be missed!
Caron Marble
July 26, 2016
Blessings for the Cotty family. Bill was a wonderful man, and friend to all who had the honor to know him. His legacy is one of greatness. The world has lost a fine soul, but Heaven has gained a angel.
Thank you Bill.
July 26, 2016
Thinking of you Amelia.
Biff and Jan Sowell
Doug Bridges
July 26, 2016
No one gave more to Richland School District II and to Richland County House Dist 79 than Bill Cotty. His service to those bodies plus his commitment to the US Army are unparalleled in our community over the past 40 years. God rest his sole as his legacy will be admired forever.
Paul and Jane Van Wyke
July 26, 2016
This is truly a loss for our community and the state of SC. Bill's wonderful contributions personally and professionally will be remembered forever. His kind and generous spirit will live in our hearts. Our heartfelt condolences are being sent to you Amelia and to the entire Cotty family.
Pam Stewart
July 26, 2016
My sympathies, Amelia. I heard about it on the news. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love
July 26, 2016
Please accept our sincere sympathy. We remember Bill and your family fondly from our time in Columbia. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Moose and Scott Morris
DR. H.W. HULTEEN
July 26, 2016
I BOTH KNEW AND WORKED WITH MR COTTY. HE WAS A SPECIAL PERSON. HE AS ANCHORED IN HONESY,ETHICS AND FAIR PLAY. HE WAS AN AMERICAN AND LOVED AND SERVED HIS COUNTRY. SC HAS LOST A LEADER TODAY. MY BEST WISHES AND CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY.
Donna Kirk
July 26, 2016
He seemed to have lived a very wonderful and accomplished life. My thoughts are with his loved ones .
Kimberly Sarbok
July 26, 2016
You will be missed. Thank you for everything you did for the Whalen/Sarbok family.
Pam and David Pethick
July 26, 2016
David and I were so sad to read of Bill's passing. We have so many happy memories of good times in the early days working on "the Hill" and New Carrollton Terrace. We now live in Aiken, SC and regret we didn't get together. Our prayers are with you and your family.
July 26, 2016
I met Bill on our wedding day which is coming up on August 1st. He greeted me and he became an instant friend. I will always remember what he said to me and cherish it.
You surely will be missed .
Thank you for being such a wonderful friend to Doug.
Brenda Bradley
July 26, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers to all of the Cotty family. Almost 30 years ago we met Bill at closing of our first house and became good friends over the years. He was a funny man who will be terribly missed...
Gerry and Sharon Gudgel
Sjanna Coriarty
July 26, 2016
Bill was so helpful during my life and I know how he cared and did for so many others. He was a great man and will be so missed!
Earl Capps
July 26, 2016
Bill was a passionate guy with a sometimes-irreverent take on politics who worked for a better state for over two decades in public office as well as 38 years in the National Guard. Lots of people talk about politics and what's going on in the world around them but few can say they've put in a fraction of the effort that Bill put into serving his community, state and country, all the while making people smile and laugh a little, even when they didn't always agree with him. They don't make people like Bill very often and I'll miss him.
Connie and Leon Ginsberg
July 26, 2016
Dear Amelia and family, Leon and I are saddened by the passing of a wonderful statesman and supporter of education. We also remember him as a champion of children with disabilities and special needs and their families. May his memory continue to be a blessing and be great comfort for you.
Ana Bautista-Calatrava
July 26, 2016
I am so sad to hear the passing of Mr. Bill Cotty. With my deepest sympathy to his family.
Rest in peace, Bill and you'll be missed greatly.
Ana Bautista-Calatrava
July 26, 2016
Condolences to Bill's family. Such a very nice man.
Frank and Jo Ann Ward
Audrey Andrieski
July 26, 2016
Sorry to read this today. He was respected on our school board and always put the children and teachers first. We have lost a great advocate for education! My prayers for him and his family.
Mike & Darlene Dinkins
July 26, 2016
We met Bill over 35 years ago. He was a wonderful attorney, a gracious man and always made us feel like friends. He had a servant heart, often going out of his way to take care of our needs.He always had a story about his children or grands. He even came to our home to complete a closing. He and his stories will be missed.
Spring Valley Presbyterian Church
July 26, 2016
Rae and Dino Burlos
July 26, 2016
We will miss Bill's infectious laugh and sweet smile. He truly loved his family, friends and community. May he rest in peace and God hold his family close at this time.
Chris Hoffman
July 26, 2016
Bill will be missed by all that knew him. He was a wonderful friend and could have been a standup comedian if he had chosen to do that in life. I extend my deepest sympathy to Amelia and hie entire family.
David Roper
July 26, 2016
Kay and I will always remember the help he gave to my sister and me when my mother died. I think he enjoyed the BBQ at the farm as much as Amelia, Kay, and I did. RIP, my friend. See you again one day.
Betsy Lott
July 26, 2016
Mr. Cotty was such a nice man. While in college, I was a legislative aide and my representative briefly shared a suite with Mr. Cotty. He was always so kind and chivalrous and I always looked forward to having a quick chat with him. You have my deepest sympathy, as you grieve, and I will hold you all in my prayers.
Jay Glasgow
July 26, 2016
I met Mr. Cotty when I became friends with his son Will during high school. During my adult life Mr. Cotty was a fine man who supported me with wisdom, counsel, and support during the most difficult stage of my life. Your family is and will remain in my prayers.
July 26, 2016
Bill was a delightful man, a real people person, and James and I will really miss him. Thinking of all of you, Amelia, Will, Molly, and Anne Marie, and the whole family, who will miss this great guy. Love, Kim Cotty
Sharon Beavers
July 26, 2016
I had the pleasure of meeting Bill and finding out we both had Martinsville ties. He was such a nice man and I am so sorry for your loss.
July 26, 2016
Bill was a great community leader and attorney. Our sincere condolences go out to Amelia and family.
With deepest sympathy,
Ann & Joe Steed
The Fletcher Family Dan, Anne, Galen, Lee, & Margrett (and families)
July 26, 2016
We are sorry for your loss. If you needed a laugh around SVPC, Bill was always your man. May you be surrounded by God's love and blessing.
Marty Narr
July 26, 2016
Bill was a excellent man that had a positive outlook on everything that was presented to him, you will be truly missed, and all the laughs we had together will be missed, RIP my friend, our friendship will be here forever.
Marty Narr
July 26, 2016
Bill was such a true friend, He had a true outlook on all things presented to him, he will be truly missed, all the many laughs we had together will be missed, RIP my friend.
Laurie Walden
July 26, 2016
I am so so sorry, Amelia. Bill was a remarkable public servant, and the two of you were such a great pair. You will be in my prayers. With much love!
Doug Bradley
July 26, 2016
Bill was a good friend and a rock in my life for many years. I am a better person today because of our friendship. Bill will be remembered as a person who helped everyone see the bright side of life.
Debbie Elmore
July 26, 2016
The South Carolina School Boards Association is deeply saddened by the death of SC Statesman Bill Cotty. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Former Rep. Bill Cotty was a champion of public school students and understood the value of education that is open to all students as the foundation of a true democracy.
Don & Sandy Jonas
July 26, 2016
Goodbye my friend. It has been a journey. We will keep your wonderful family in our prayers.
Debbie Rivers Bass
July 26, 2016
Dear Amelia,
It is with deep sadness we offer our sincere, heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Bill was not only our long-time family attorney, he was a dear and trusted friend. Bill and my late husband served over 20 years together in the SCANG. Please know you are in our hearts and our prayers. May you find strength and comfort in God's steadfast love.
Debbie Rivers Bass, Lee and Rhett Bass
Joel Lourie
July 26, 2016
Bill was a true statesman. He had a servants heart and care deeply about his community. He loved his wife, children and grandchildren and they were always his top priority. We have lost a good man.
Glenn, Kathy, Emily, Katie Carswell
July 26, 2016
Bill was an excellent mentor and a wonderful man who we had the pleasure of working with for over 20 years. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
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