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.
VICTORIA JOHNSON says
WILL MISS YOU JR LOVE YOU ALL WAY
Bonnie Cox & Family says
I am very sorry for your loss. I am sure Junior is on his “Stairway to Heaven”
Jean Rakow says
Lori and family, I am so sorry to hear of George’s passing. I know he fought hard. My deepest sympathy.
Linda Simpson says
Sending prayers to the Cottingham family.R.I.P George
Cathy Suarez Nuno says
My sincerest condolences to the family for your great loss. May he find comfort and grace in God’s loving arms.
Julie K Haisler says
I bow to you in your memory George.
Arnold j. Krostag says
Winona Gray says
My condolences to Sis Cassandra and family To God be your Glory so sorry for your loss..
Kattie Woida says
My thoughts and prayers go out to you Lori and the rest of the Cottingham family. Your McKinley family will always be here for you if you need anything.
Cassandra Calhoun says
I Love you Jr. and will always keep you in my heart…
Dawn Andrew says
To the entire family, I am sending my most heartfelt condolences. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Denise Goodwin 6 says
So sorry for the family loss
Phyllis Jeans says
Cousin Lori and Lori Lynn Sherman and I will continue to pray for peace for you during this most difficult time. We are here for you. May the Lord send a comforter at this time!
Brenda Taylor says
May God be with you all, love Auntie Brenda
Mary Morris says
Cousin Georgr will be truly missed.my heart is saddend from his death. Lori Lori Lynn and all of the Cottingham cousins stay strong in the Lord and He will bring us through this difficult time.love to you all. Sorry, I will not be able to be there with you.
Faith Christian says
It was a great privilege to know Junior. My family has many fond memories of his kindness and humor. Our heartfelt condolences to your family.
Uncle Leroy & Aunt Linda Sawyers says
Look to the hills from whence comes your help and know that God will give you all comfort and peace during this time.
Sean and Pam Walsh says
Lori,
You and Junior aspired and succeeded by raising an amazing family full of love and respect for one another no matter what the circumstances that is to be admired.
There is no doubt you will all keep each other strong and continue to represent his love during these hard times.
Sending Love for you all.
The Walsh Family
Cody and Amber Andrew says
So very sorry for your loss. We heard a lot of great stories about Junior.
Holly Hess says
I’m sorry to hear this, Lori. Thinking of you and your family.
Holly
RALPH TUNSTELL says
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss may God bless your family!RIH
Joshua Cottingham says
I’ll miss you