Hugh Lee Cotton Jr.

With gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of our beloved father, Hugh Lee Cotton, Jr ("Punchy"), on August 25, 2025. Born in Jacksonville, FL on September 19, 1930 to Hugh Lee Cotton, Sr ("Lee") and Eunice Dinkins Cotton ("Dink"), he passed away peacefully surrounded by family.

He attended Carlisle Military Academy in South Carolina then went to college at the Citadel. During the Korean War, he served in the army as a paratrooper, then returned to the Citadel as a veteran student to earn his degree in civil engineering. He worked as a Project Manager first for Daniel Construction Company, then for Batson Cook Construction Company in Jacksonville for over 25 years.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend whose character and values shaped not only our lives but touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. He loved fishing, sports, and coin collecting, and was a talented woodworker and handyman. He, with Shirley, created memories of love and perseverance that will stick with us for many years, leaving a legacy of kindness, strength, and unconditional love.

The family is especially grateful for the extraordinarily loving care Hugh received in the final years of his life by the caregivers at Senior Helpers in Orange Park, staff at Clyde E. Lassen Veterans Nursing Home, and staff at Community Hospice.

He was preceded in death by his wife (Shirley Cockcroft Cotton, 1996), son (Raymond Frances, 1975), and son (Hugh Lee, III, 2009). He is survived by daughters Laura Cotton Bebb, Sarah Cotton Koebley (Scott), and Rachel Cotton Wright (Lee); grandchildren Stephen Cotton, Sean Koebley, Alex Bebb, Sam Koebley, Tony Bebb, Shelby Koebley, Shannon Wright and Jacob Wright; and six great grandchildren Cameron Cotton, Connor Cotton, Rushton Koebley, Bo Koebley, Lila Koebley and Phoebe Huey.

A celebration of life will be held at his home of 50+ years – 2999 Magnolia Rd, Orange Park, FL at 1 pm on Sept 13, 2025. We invite family and friends to gather to share stories and celebrate Punchy's extraordinary life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Citadel Brigadier Foundation, 171 Moultrie Street, Charleston, SC, 29409, and designated to the Raymond Cotton Athletic Memorial Scholarship.