John Cotton

March 10, 1947 - June 15, 2021

Facebook

Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Southeast Chapel

1604 NE Main Street

Simpsonville, SC 29681

(864) 688-1600 |

Saturday 6/19, 11:00 am

John Weston Cotton, 74, husband of Deborah Elrod Cotton, passed away on Tuesday, June 15, 2021.

Born in Columbia, SC, he was the second son of Edna Saylors Cotton and the late Herbert S. Cotton.

John was a graduate of Lower Richland High School and Clemson University where he earned his Master’s Degree in Ceramic Engineering. After graduating from Clemson, John served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force before beginning his career as a Ceramic Engineer. He retired from PPG Industries in 2009. John was a dedicated husband, father, and “Poppy” to his grandchildren and consistently demonstrated his deep love for his family. Above all, he loved God and lived his faith everyday as a beacon of Christianity to everyone he met. John was a member of a First Baptist Church, Simpsonville.

In addition to his mother and his wife of 49 years, he is survived by his son, Wes Cotton and wife, Pamela; his daughter, Amy Berryman and husband, Andy; four grandchildren, Maya and Tyler Berryman, and Trent and Emily Christensen; two brothers, Herbert and David Cotton; and two sisters, Nancy Johnson and Mary Hubble.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 11:00 a.m in the Southeast Chapel of Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes. At a later date, John’s cremated remains will be interred in the MJ “Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetery.

Family and friends who are unable to attend the service can view the Live Stream by clicking on the “Watch Livestream” button located on the main obituary page.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to The Parkinson’s Foundation.

Friends are encouraged to leave condolence messages for the family by clicking on the button labeled “Leave A Message, Share A Memory” on the main obituary page.

Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Southeast Chapel

1604 NE Main Street

Simpsonville, SC 29681

(864) 688-1600 | Map

Saturday 6/19, 11:00 am

NATIONAL PARKINSON FOUNDATION

Make a Memorial Donation

Donate Now

John Weston Cotton, 74, husband of Deborah Elrod Cotton, passed away on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. Born in Columbia, SC, he was the second son of Edna Saylors Cotton and the late Herbert S. Cotton. John was a graduate of Lower Richland High School and Clemson University where he earned his Master’s Degree in CeramicContinue Reading

Tribute Video

See Condolences

Mrs. Cotton, I am so terribly sorry for you loss. Mr. Cotton was such a sweet and wonderful man. I am praying for you and your family during this difficult time. Sincerely, Rachel Loescher

Cindy and I were shocked and saddened to hear today of John's passing. Greer Creed who had worked with John sent everyone an e mail. We were able to view the Live Streaming of the service and the tribute video on the website. We're sorry we were unable to hear in time to make it to the service. We have many fond memories of you and John and think often of how you all were doing. My children still remember some of the jokes I brought home from John. You could always rely on his humor to lighten the mood at work. I agree totally with the sentiments your brother expressed during the service. I can think of no finer person or gentleman to have known and worked with during our years together at PPG. I could always trust what he said and rely on his actions. But there was never any doubt where his love was- his family and his faith. Our prayers are with you and all the family. May you continue to feel God's grace, mercy, and love around you as you move into this new part of your life. Keeping you in our prayers and our love-Tom and Cindy

I worked with John for many years. Our offices were right around the corner from each other. Our expertise was very different and I knew very little about John's work with melting glass. But his office door was always open and what I learned about melting glass I got from John. Back then John's son was having internal medical problems that needed several operations. I would check in with him to see how his son was doing. It was John's faith that helped him thru this crisis. May his memory be eternal and a blessing.

John was a great guy and a talented engineer.

Dear Debie, Amy, and Wes - Our deepest condolences. While we only had the pleasure of knowing John for a few short years, we came to fully appreciate him as a good and honorable man. We were blessed to have such good neighbors in South Carolina, and you made our time there so enjoyable. John was always prepared with a joke when we played bridge, and we loved sharing travel stories and watching comedians on TV. During today’s service, he was called ‘humble’ and that’s so true - you had to twist his arm to get him to talk of his many accomplishments. We will miss John, and our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Debbie & Rusty

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

What a lovely service for John. We are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

I am thinking of all of the Cotton family on this sad day. Uncle John was always such a smart, patient, thoughtful man. I was so glad to visit with him last month. Love to you all-

Praying our Lord and Savior holds each of you close to provide comfort, peace, and strength to sustain you during this sad time. Our deepest sympathies.

Debie....I am so very, very sorry about John's passing. You have my deepest sympathy and love. I remember the first time you taught Don and I how to play "Shanghai"..what a great time we had. Prayers are being said and sent for you and your family.

Debbie, I am so sorry to hear of John's death. You and your family have my sympathy and wishes for comfort.

John & I were in band together 60 yers ago and can’t believe it has been that long...but he was one in a million kind of guy! Sweetest, caring and helped me out a lot in band since I couldn’t read music and I played the cymbals!!! Marching was tough but I survived! Loved this guy to pieces as a wonderful friend!

Lost for words! Great teacher, gift from God! Heaven is plus one! Love! Hal & Donna Routh

John was a remarkable man, so very talented, kind, caring, and filled with love and devotion to Debie and their family. I am so sorry. Crying with you in your grief and celebrating John in his victory over life. Prayers of comfort and peace to you. ♥️

We will miss you so much, Uncle John! Your musical gifts, your brilliant mind, your gentle and loving spirit were gifts to the world. Love to the many friends and family celebrating John Cotton's beautiful life.

Wes, I would like to offer my condolences on the loss of your father. May the loving touch of our Lord give you and your family comfort and peace.

Wes, please accept my condolences. May the Lord's love give you and your family comfort and peace.

Deb, Wes, and Amy, my heartfelt condolences to you in John’s passing. Your mom and dad were like our family and will treasure all the wonderful memories of the joy, laughter and tears we shared.

Gary and I are sorry that you and your family are going through such a hard time. John and I shared it a birth day and I always enjoyed sitting next to him at the birthday dinner and getting to see his sense of humor.

Debbie, I am so sorry to fear of John’s death. My heart breaks for you. I hope you can find comfort and peace as you travel life’s path without John. Sincerely, Brenda Willis

So sorry Debbie A great father husband and friend. My heart breaks for you and the family. Much love Bobby

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

My thoughts and love to Debie, Wes, Amy, Herb, Nancy, Mary, David, and your families, and of course Edna. John was always very, very special to me. So kind, funny, charming, talented, generous--a genuinely good person! It was always lovely to be in his presence. I’m sad that so much time has passed, and we’ve not seen each other. My heart aches that I will not see him again. The world was better with him in it. I know how much each of you will miss him. My thoughts will be with you. Catherine

My sincere sympathy to all the family.

We didn’t know this family personally, but as a neighbor we offer our condolences in this time of loss. “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” Your loss is Heaven’s gain and to know you will see him again in perfect health is our comfort in Christ death and resurrection; “Until Then” may your hearts go on singing, and with joy carry on. The family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers. We rejoice to know you are all in Gods’ love and care!

Phil and I send our deepest condolences. He will be sorely missed. Keeping the family in our prayers.

John always exhibited a quiet sweetness, strong faith and love for his family, and a gentle spirit. Praying for the entire Cotton family to feel the loving arms of our Father holding you tightly as you walk this journey. I have always admired the Godly example exhibited by Herbert and Edna Cotton and their legacy carried on through their children, including John, their spouses, children and grandchildren. What a precious gift now left to the great grandchildren! John, “Well done, good and faithful servant! Welcome home.”

My condolences to the family. May GOD bring comfort and peace.

Deborah, Joel and I are saddened to hear about John's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May your loving memories bring you comfort. Kathy Firme

My deepest condolences to all of the family and friends. Amy and Andy are dear friends and she always talked highly of her father. My he Rest In Peace. ??❤️❤️

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.