George Washington Cottingham IV, 49, completed his earthly journey on Sunday, October 1, 2023. He was born in Racine on December 25, 1973, the son of the late George Washington Cottingham III and Joan (nee: Wrzesinski) Cottingham.

George was the manager of several different oil change stations in Wisconsin and Tennessee for several years until illness caused him to retire. He enjoyed watching: TV programs, and movies, as well as listening to all types of music. Cooking was one of his passions he woke up early every morning to make his family breakfast. He would go to the grocery store every morning to get groceries to cook dinner after work. He loved cooking for his family! George was known as a jokester and prankster. He also loved children especially his children, grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Surviving are his wife of 15 years Haydee Cottingham of Munford, TN and his children, Brittany Cottingham and her husband Andreus Wright Sr., of Memphis, TN, George Washington Cottingham V, of Milwaukee, Darius (Miah)Cottingham, Kayne Cottingham, all of Racine, Isabel Esparza, of Lake Villa, IL and Brianna Delgado Cottingham and Joshua Cottingham, of Munford, TN; nine grandchildren, Jordan Cottingham, Kristine Cottingham, David Johnson, Andreus Wright Jr., Aleah Wright, Caylee Cottingham, Sophia Esparza, Rebekah Díaz and Kahari Delgado; the mother who raised him, Lori Lynn Cottingham, of Racine; siblings, Corey Wagner, Danny Compos, Conrad Cottingham, Lori Lynn (Cody) Peterson, and Tyronza Cottingham. George was preceded in death by his parents, George and Joan Cottingham. Grandparents George and Marie Cottingham lll, Aunt Gene Searcy, cousins Chandra Bueno, Augusta Miller, Brent Cottingham, Uncle "coolCurt" Harris.

A special thanks to Lakeyisa "Kitty" Shields, Conrad and Tyronza Cottingham, Brittany and Andreus Wright, nurses Allie, and Kizzy, as well as Dr. Sarah Mann and her staff at Ascension-All Saints for their loving and compassionate care of George.

Service Details

There will be a celebration of George's life held at the Lighthouse Gospel Pentecostal Church, 933 LaSalle St. on Monday, October 9th at 11:00a.m. Following the service everyone is invited to be at Graceland Cemetery for the burial.