Racine – George Washington Cottingham III, affectionately known as Papa, 61, received the promise of eternal life on Sunday, October 18, 2015, surrounded by the love of his family.  He was born in Detroit, Michigan, on January 7, 1954, son of the late George and Marie (nee: Prentice) Cottingham II.

George was united in marriage to the love of his life, the former Lori Lynn Knetter, on April 6, 1984.

George was an iron worker and a proud member of Iron Workers Local 8.  He was a member of Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church.  George enjoyed playing guitar, piano and loved listening to classic rock and roll.  He attended culinary school and will be remembered for his famous BBQ and greens.  Many will also remember George for his generous heart and strength that made him a hero in most people's eyes.  He survived stage 4 throat cancer in 2010 and also survived a traumatic brain injury in 2012.  George was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer in early September this year and fought all the way to the end.

George loved his family greatly, especially the children.  He adored his grandchildren as well as his many nieces and nephews.  He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

George leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 31 years, Lori Cottingham; children, George Cottingham, Danny Compos, Conrad Cottingham, Lori Lynn Cottingham II (his only daughter and daddy's girl), Corey Wagner, Tyronza Cottingham; grandchildren, Britany Cottingham, George Cottingham IV, Conrad Cottingham Jr., Corey Cottingham, Curtis Cottingham, Darius Cottingham, Kayne Cottingham, Tony Cottingham, Angel Cottingham, Joshua Cottingham, Levi Cottingham, Chase Cottingham, Jada Compos, Ty Wagner, Corey Wagner, Jr., Steven Otterness; great-grandchildren, Kristine Cottingham, Jordan Cottingham; sisters, Barbara Hart, Georgene Searcey, Ada Cottingham, Victoria Johnson, Casandra Calhoun, Jewel Hendrickson, Brenda Harris, Constance Wilson; special sister-in-law, Cynthia Andrew; four-legged canine companion, Nicki; other relatives and dear friends too numerous to mention.

In addition to his parents, George is preceded in death by his niece, Chandra Bueno; nephews, Michael Andrew, Brent Cottingham; great-niece, Kira Searcey; mother-in-law, Betty Andrew; and brother-in-law, Curtis Harris.

A celebration of George's life will take place on Thursday, October 22, 2015, 12:00pm, at Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church, 1700 S Green Bay Road, with Rev. Krista Zimmerman officiating.  Visitation will be from 10:00am until the time of the service.  Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Vitas Innovative Hospice as well as daughter, Lori Cottingham; sons, Danny Compos, Conrad Cottingham, Brenda Harris, Barbara Hart, Casandra Calhoun, Jewel Hendrickson, Cynthia Andrew, Javon, Cortez, and Lil' Fella for the love and care given to George during this difficult time.