Robert Ray Cottingham

Robert Ray Cottingham, age 35 of Attica, IN passed away on July 22nd, 2024 in an agricultural aircraft accident. He was born on October 29th, 1988, and graduated from Seeger Memorial HS before receiving his bachelor's degree in Agricultural Business Management from Purdue University.

Ray began his aspirations to farm when he was 8 years old, telling his mother he knew what he wanted to do, but didn't know what his second job was going to be. After a few trips to Oshkosh Airventure, and camping under the wing with his father, he began flying during college. He merged those interests into agricultural aviation application and created a job with AgriFlite, Wakarusa to make it happen. Developing his skills in a piston aircraft, he moved into turbine aircraft and later began flying for Bi-State Air, Attica, IN.

Named after his great grandfathers, he started his life as Robbie, but self selected his middle name Ray as his preference. Hence many versions became alias; "Ray Ray", "Bobby Ray". 

Farming as the sixth generation, he was ambitious to modify existing equipment to adapt the no-till and cover crop farm management and continue a 42 year tradition on the home farm. He respected the land as tenant and caretaker. He was particular about things that mattered.

Ray was a light in the world with his energy and love for life. He was described by some as the "connector", bringing diverse groups of friends into one circle.

Ray was thoughtful and intentional in his approach to life and he often had a clear picture in mind of what he was trying to achieve. When he didn't it was always a pretty clear "I dunno." Or when he wasn't yet ready to share his plans, that was also "I dunno." You just had to try to figure out which was which.

Ray and Leslie talked as kids about how she would build them and he would fly them. It was always his dream to be having fun flying and it was clear that with aerial application he was living that dream.

Ray is survived by his parents, Dwain "Doc" and Layna Steele Cottingham, sister Leslie (Mark Karasek) Cottingham, Love of his life Suzanne Shirley, her children Bostyn and Brettly and dog Vimy. Uncles and Aunts: Gary Cottingham, Carol Nino, John & Tura Cottingham, Ed & Joanne Steele and Susan Steele. 23 Cousins; and Got Your Back Parents, Tony & Lyn Martin.  

Ray was preceded in death by paternal grandparents Louis Dwain and Doris Holtman Cottingham, maternal grandparents McCord and Margret Chambers Steele, uncle Jeffry Joe Steele, and cousin Matthew Nino  

Visitation at Grady Funeral Home, Williamsport Friday July 26, 4-8:00pm. Celebration of Life Saturday July 27, 10 am, at Ray's Corner, Pine Village-Independence Road and 550 N just west of the farm. Casual attire as you will be on grass, picnic chairs and blankets welcome. Private Family Burial at Mound Cemetery.

Donations can be made in Ray’s memory to an education fund for Bostyn and Brettly. 

Checks made out to: Shirley Education Fund. Donations may be sent to Dwain & Layna Cottingham at 5190 E 550 N Attica IN 47918.