Thomas F. Cotten, Jr.'s Obituary
Thomas F. Cotten, Jr. 97, of Memphis, passed away on Friday, March 19, 2021. He was mainly known as "Cotten". He started fishing at the age of 5 in the Wolf River in the late 20's and early 30's.
In the mid-50's he built a cabin on Kentucky Lake. He hauled the materials that friends gave him and helped build it. He always had a fishing and hunting place.
In the 70's he installed an in ground pool with help from his friend. He would let the neighborhood children and their mothers swim on Wednesdays. Through the years many people learned how to swim and dive under his guidance and direction. He loved to share the pool to everybody.
He spend a lot of time growing up in Ripley, Tennessee with family before and after he served in the army during WWII.
He was raised in the Church of Christ growing up but was a faithful member of Central Church for 40 years. He was thinking about his Lord when he took his last breath.
Cotten left two proud children, Thomas F. Cotten, III and Kay A Cotten along with one granddaughter, Mary Carolyn Cotten. He passed two days before the 40th anniversary since he lost his wife Mary Nell Cotten.
The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, March 24 from 1:00 pm until the time of the graveside service at 2:00 pm at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue in Memphis.
The family requests donations to be made in his name to Central Church Collierville or the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
What’s your fondest memory of Thomas?
What’s a lesson you learned from Thomas?
Share a story where Thomas' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Thomas you’ll never forget.
How did Thomas make you smile?

