Major General William Russell Cotney USAF, Ret.

Major General William Russell (Russ) Cotney, USAF Retired, died July 28, 2018 after a long and courageous battle with cancer and seemingly never-ending complications from a stem cell transplant. He fought the disease with grace and perseverance, without complaint, and never let the disease define him. Russ was 68 years old. He was married for more than 40 years to his best friend and beloved wife, Deborah Holder Cotney. He was the proud father of their daughter that he adored, Lauren Amanda Cotney, who has followed in her father's footsteps by becoming a professional airline pilot and by serving in the Tennessee Air National Guard. Russ was the son of the late Faye Smith Cotney and Leslie Bruce Cotney and the son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. James E. Holder. He was the brother of Ronald Cotney, Robert Cotney, and Rebecca (Bill) Warnock and the brother-in-law of Clay (Shellie) Holder and Dr. Paul (Shannon) Holder. Russ is also survived by his nieces, Whitney Warnock, Emma (Preston) Holder Robertson, and Ellie Holder and by his nephews, Oey Cotney, Leslie (Kaleena) Warnock, Jacob Holder, John Aaron Holder, Daniel Holder, and Denton Holder. Pursuing a career in aviation, Russ flew for Braniff Airways, but his enduring legacy is 40 years of faithful and honorable service in the United States Air Force. His retirement in 2011 culminated in eight years as Commander of the Tennessee Air National Guard. At his retirement ceremony, Russ was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for Exceptionally Meritorious Service in a Duty of Great Responsibility, approved by the President of the United States. A native of Alabama, Russ earned his commission at Lackland AFB and his wings at Laughlin AFB. He graduated from Jacksonville State University with a Bachelor of Science in Personnel Management and received a master's degree in Public Administration from Auburn University. Russ was also a graduate of Squadron Officers School, Air Command and General Staff College, and Air War College. As Commander of the Tennessee Air National Guard, Russ was responsible for command and mission readiness of three flying wings and four support wings with more than 3600 employees and 3.5 billion dollars in equipment and infrastructure. He spearheaded efforts to modernize each base, resulting in more than $360,000,000 for new planes, new missions, increased funding for operations, and construction of new facilities, including for the new Airlift Wing in Memphis which he once commanded. Russ's exceptional vision and leadership will continue to impact the Air National Guard for years to come. Russ was a Command Pilot deployed during Vietnam, Operation Joint Guard, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operations Northern and Southern Watch, etc. Among his numerous awards and decorations are the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and the NATO Medal for commanding the Regional Air Center in Italy. Other accomplishments include Chairing the Committee which designed the Terminal Control Area for aircraft at Memphis International Airport. In recognition of his leadership in aviation Russ received the President's Award from Carnival Memphis. For extraordinary achievement and his service to aviation in Tennessee, our nation and the world, and for his service to our country, Russ was inducted into the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame in 2016. Russ was a man of faith and was a member of the Germantown Church of Christ. He was an avid student of the Bible and enjoyed studying Biblical History. He served as a Deacon, teacher, and ministry leader. For many years Russ attended church camp each summer with Lauren, volunteering as a youth counselor. Russ also supported students entering the ministry at Lipscomb University and Harding School of Theology. Honoring his wishes, Russ will be laid to rest at the little country cemetery that he loved. Friends are welcome to join with the family at the services on Thursday, August 2 at 11:00 a.m. at the Rocky Springs Cemetery (1814 Rocky Springs Rd., Bridgeport, AL located outside of South Pittsburg, TN off Highway 72). Brigadier General (Ret.) Kenneth Jordan will present the flag to the family. An old fashioned "dinner on the ground" will follow at the Rocky Springs Church of Christ, where Deborah's father and grandfather often preached. In Memphis, a Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 3 at 11:00 a.m. at the Memphis Botanic Garden at the Blecken Pavilion. Trams will be available. A reception will follow with the family featuring Russ's favorite Mexican food. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Women in Aviation International for the Russ Cotney and Lauren Cotney Professional Airline Pilot Career Scholarship for Women (Morningstar Airport, 3647 State Route 503 S. West Alexandria, OH 45381-9345); Meritan (345 Adams Ave., Memphis, TN 38103); Page Robbins Center (1961 S Houston Levee Rd, Collierville, TN 38017); or Rocky Springs Church of Christ (1814 Rocky Springs Rd, Bridgeport, AL 35740). Arrangements are by Rogers Funeral Home, 400 Laurel Avenue, South Pittsburg, TN 37380 (www.rogersfuneralhome.com (423)837-7176).