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William Cotton Obituary
First-born of three sons, he leaves behind his devoted parents, Mary Elizabeth and William L. Cotton Sr. of Newport News; his two brothers and best friends, Dave and Matt Cotton of Hampton. He also leaves the following loving family in North Carolina, Aunt Dorothy and Uncle Steve Bank; in Illinois, Aunt Kay and Uncle Dick Dodd, Aunt Theresa Baker, Uncle Don Dodd; in Delaware, Aunt Lois and Uncle Brent Sparks and grandmother, Tena Cotton; in Florida, Aunt Lauren and Uncle Rob Cotton; In North Carolina, Illinois, New Jersey, Alabama, and Kentucky, he leaves 19 cousins and 15 second cousins. He also leaves many friends whose lives he touched and inspired.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Dorothy and Earl Dodd; his paternal grandfather, Leslie Cotton; and a maternal aunt, Nina Ouechani, all of whom will embrace and comfort his spirit.
A special thank you to UVA Neuro-Oncology - Dr David Schiff, his nurses, especially Jenny Friend, his staff, the nurses and staff in the infusion center, and the doctors, nurses and staff in the hospital's neurology department. Their efforts and compassion helped make a difficult time more bearable. A special thank you as well to Heartland Hospice, their loving support was invaluable.
A Celebration of Life is planned for 2 p.m. Aug. 29, 2009 - Billy's 42nd birthday- at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 415 Youngs Mill Lane, Newport News.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the UVA Neurology Department. For information on how to give and how to designate gifts:
http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/development/home.cfm or
(800) 297-0102 or (434) 924-8432.
William, Billy, BJ, we will love and cherish you forever!
Cremation Society of Virginia, Hampton Roads office, is assisting the family. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Cotton
Michael Perry
August 1, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Julie Perry
August 1, 2009
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Michael and Julie Perry
August 1, 2009
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Lori Steinhau
July 31, 2009
I am really sorry to hear of the loss of William. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Barbara Morgan
July 30, 2009
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know you will cherish your years with him forever.
Jacquie Ream
July 30, 2009
Mary & Bill, I know you treasure the time you had with BJ. May he rest in peace and may you both find comfort and peace from those who love you.
Ms. Frankie Harrison
July 30, 2009
My prayers are with you and your family in your time of grief. Mr.Cotton will be sadly miss at Port Warwick OutPaitent Registation Building II.
Ms. Frankie Harrison
Bob Matter
July 30, 2009
Bill and Mary:
How sorry I am to hear about your loss. I know how much the two of you were devoted to BJ. I also know that you are surrounded by family and friends that love you very much. I hope you will find comfort in their support.
The UVa Cancer Center
July 30, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Suzy Scott
July 30, 2009
Mary and Bill,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your precious BJ. I remember his love of photography and trust that you have many wonderful photos by which to remember him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time. Remember that although a bluebird is invisible against a blue sky, he is still there.
Fondly, Suzy (Cole) Scott
Mark Waggoner
July 30, 2009
Bill & Mary,
My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.
Pam Barclay
July 29, 2009
Mary and Bill,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I will always remember the great pride you showed whenever you talked about BJ. I wish no one had to endure the loss of a child. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers and I truly hope you can find comfort knowing BJ is looking down from above enjoying the view.
Pam-Beulah
July 29, 2009
To the Cotton Family,
I'm sorry to hear about your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of need.
From, TK @ Sentara Port Warwick
Takaisha Ellery
July 29, 2009
To the Cotton Family:
I'm sorry to hear about your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of need.
From: Takaisha @ Sentara Port Warwick
Takaisha Ellery
July 29, 2009
To the Cotton family,
Sorry to hear about your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of need.
Takaisha from Sentara Port Warwick
Mary Cotton
July 29, 2009
Good Morning, Sunshine! I love you. Mom
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