of Marshall, AR

November 26, 1939 - November 3, 2024

Larry Gordon Cotton, age 84, passed away in his home in Marshall, Arkansas on Sunday, November 3, 2024. He was born November 26, 1939 in Baker, Arkansas and was the only child of Chester and Madge Ratchford Cotton.

Larry and his late wife, Mary Nell Elliot Cotton (D. 2017), made Marshall their home for over fifty years. They were devoted members of the Marshall Methodist Church and were active community contributors.

A graduate of Marshall High School's class of 1957 and a graduate of Arkansas Tech University's class of 1961, Larry starred on both schools' basketball teams and was a scholarship player for four years at Tech. He often joked that due to his aggressive defensive play, he excelled beyond all teammates at fouling out, whether it was on his assigned opponent or when giving equal treatment to his teammates' defensive assignments. In truth, he had a good offensive game as well-particularly as a playmaker. He routinely was his teams' best free throw shooter (one season at Tech he made over 90[%] of his free throw attempts).

Affectionally known as ''Coach'' to his many friends in Marshall and surrounding areas, Larry spent over fifty years coaching and teaching basketball and baseball to Arkansas secondary school students. His first position was at Jessieville, followed by stints at Bergman, Marshall, Saint Joe and Leslie. His broad and deep knowledge of the sports his teams played and his strategic sense and planning, were clear to all who watched his teams play.

Yet, Larry was also more than a coach of the game to his players. He was a good character builder, counselor, motivator, communicator and someone others could look to for inspiration to imitate his good behavior in and away from the game. These were all personal attributes necessary to be a truly good coach and teacher for young students. Outside the sports arena, Larry seemed to draw the young and not so young alike to his conversation table to talk with him about ''ball'' and other serious subjects.

Larry is survived by Cotton, Pruitt and Ratchford cousins and Mary Nell's family. He will be laid to earthly rest beside his dear Mary Nell (also near his parents) in Marshall Memorial Gardens in Marshall. While his headstone stands there today ready and waiting for his interment, one viewing it can well imagine another fitting unwritten epitaph: ''Here Lies a Very Good Man''.

A public memorial service for Larry is being planned at a near future date.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Coffman Funeral Home
923 Highway 65 North
Marshall, AR  72650
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com