James Thomas Cotner

James Thomas Cotner, 87, of Siler City, passed away Saturday, October 18, 2025.

Mr. Cotner was born in Chatham County on August 12, 1938, son of William Owen (Bill) and Nina Mae Pugh Cotner. He was a member of Rocky River Friends Meeting. He was a truck driver for Carolina Poultry and Townsends. He also had his own salesman route. Later he became the wastewater tech for Townsends. He always enjoyed farming and being out on the farm with his livestock and teaching the next generation. He enjoyed watching NASCAR and setting up gun and knife shows with Earl Langley and other buddies. He also enjoyed going to the old men’s breakfast club at Bojangles and McDonalds.

In addition to his parents, Thomas is preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Carolyn Andrew Cotner and their son James Owen “Jimmy” Cotner; his infant brother Billie Owen Cotner; father and mother-in-law, AJ and Ruby Andrew, brother-in-law, Lester Odell Cox; nephew, William Brian (Bill) Cox.

He is survived by his daughter, Debbie Chriscoe and husband, James of Siler City; grandchildren, Riley Culberson and wife, Candace of Siler City, Ricky Culberson and wife Rebecca of Goldston, and Janice Chriscoe and fiancé Jaxson of Siler City; great grandchildren, Haley, Owen, Lane, and Brady Culberson; sister, Mary Alice Cox of Asheboro.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Rocky River Friends Meeting Cemetery, with David Hobson officiating. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to Rocky River Friends Meeting or Randolph Hospice House. Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is assisting the Cotner family.

Online condolences may be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com