Benjamin Cothran Obituary

Benjamin Alexander Cothran, 86, of Greer, S.C., died on April 12, 2008.

Born on August 4, 1921, in Greenville, S.C., he was the son of Olive Nealy Cothran and Oscar Richard Cothran, Sr.

Mr. Cothran attended Pickens County schools and graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1950. He was a page in the South Carolina Legislature, worked for the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and served as security and chauffeur for former SC Governor Strom Thurmond.

He retired as CWO from the United States Air Force in 1968, with service during World War II and the Korean conflict. He retired again in 1985 after serving as an adjudicator for the US Veterans Administration.

Mr. Cothran, a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Greenville, S.C., was a former member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Columbia. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of the USC Gamecock Club for over 50 years.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Cothran was predeceased by his first wife, Doris Murray Cothran, his son, Dr. Benjamin Alexander Cothran, Jr., and his daughter, Jency Irene Cothran.

He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Frances Bowen Cothran; granddaughters Casey Althea Cothran and husband Todd Muldrew of Charlotte, N.C., and Darra Dane Cothran of Fort Mill, S.C.; great-granddaughter Althea Honor Muldrew; daughter-in-law Darra Cothran and husband Robert Gahagan of Columbia; stepsons Mark Bowen and wife Barbara of Columbia, and Doug Bowen and wife Susan of Fountain Inn, S.C.; step-grandchildren McKenzie Leigh Bowen, Keyton Elizabeth Bowen, Hailey Denise Bowen, and Lauren Emily Bowen; brother O. Richard Cothran, Jr. and wife Lula of Piedmont, S.C.; sister Jean Cothran Myers and husband Dr. B.R. Myers of Beaufort, S.C.; numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the MDA ALS Division, to WINYAH Community Hospice Care, 880 Pleasantburg Dr., Suite 1A, Greenville, SC 29607, to the Christ Episcopal Church Building Fund, 10 N. Church Street, Greenville, SC 29601, or to a charity of choice.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening, April 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. at home, 19 March Winds Ct., Greer, SC. Services will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2008, at 11 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, with internment to follow at the Columbarium.

The Mackey Mortuary, Century Drive.

A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.mackeymortuary.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Greenville News on Apr. 14, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Benjamin Cothran

1 Entry

Frank Huddleston

July 26, 2023

I worked with Ben at the VA Regional Office. He was an inspiration to me. I was a GS-4 and he was a Rating Specialist. He taught me how to be a good employee. I remained working there for over 39 years due to his guidance. God Bless you Ben. Sincerely,
Frank Huddleston
Retired Review Officer

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