COTTEN, JULIUS W.
Julius W. Cotten, age 92, died at the home of his youngest daughter on September 3, 2015. Julius was born in September 1922 in Canton, Mississippi, to Richard Haley Cotten and Allie Jane (Jernigan) Cotten. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, as a paratrooper and member of the Second Marine Raider Battalion, an elite commando unit known as Carlson’s Raiders, participating in combat action at Makin Island and Guadalcanal. He attained the rank of Corporal.
On February 23rd, 1945, he married Alberta Geneva Dobbins, the love of his life. Julius lived in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, and after retiring from national and international oil field work, he spent more than 20 years repairing boat motors and serving the community. Julius was a member of Pilgrim’s Rest Baptist Church and served there in many positions over 36 years.
Julius will be especially remembered for his love of fishing and his innate understanding of electronics and machinery. His joy came from helping others, without any expectations.
Survivors include his children and their spouses: Nancie Jane Brockway of Houston, TX; John Richard Cotten (Donna Jean) of Athens, AL; Thomas Carl Cotten (Tereasa) of Daphne AL; Joyce Ann Borger (Tim) of Granger, IN; and Karla Marie Cotten-Burnet (David) of Raymond, MS; honorary daughter Susan Knight; ten grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. Julius was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Alberta; sister Allie Opal Cotten Antinoro; grandsons Julius Ashley Cotten and Forrest Lee Cotten; and great-granddaughter Katelyn Dennis.
Visitation will be held at Stringer Funeral Home, Highway 27, Crystal Springs, Mississippi, from 5 to 8 P.M. on Sunday, September 6. Services will be held at 10 A.M., Monday, September 7, 2015, at Pilgrims Rest Baptist Church, Didlake Road, Crystal Springs. Interment will follow at Pilgrim’s Rest Cemetery.
The family extends their gratitude to St. Joseph Hospice and the staff of the Silver Clinic at G. V. Sonny Montgomery Veterans Hospital, for their love and support.
Memorial Contributions are welcome at the Marine Corps Raider Association, and Pilgrim’s Rest Baptist Church.