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.
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56 Condolence(s)
Phyllis Jackson Ijams
Saturday, November 16, 2024
Coach Cotton was a good coach. He will never be forgotten. Love and prayers for family.
Ben Mays
Monday, November 11, 2024
Coach Cotton was my basketball, baseball, and life coach. He was exceptional at teaching sports skills, maximizing his players’ abilities, and developing teams. But it was his good-natured manner and his life coaching examples that most affected my life. Though he was a tenacious competitor, he never let his drive to win overcome his unfailing sportsmanship demeanor. When coaching our baseball games, which were usually officiated by volunteer umpires, Coach would often pull out his rule book to convince a novice ump of the need to reverse an errored call. He would do this regardless of which team it favored. He was always more concerned about teaching the game and being fair, than recording a win. If only there were more Larry Cottons in our lives.
Catherine Turner
Monday, November 11, 2024
Sad to hear of Coach Cotton's passing. He truly was a great coach and teacher. Brave too. Anyone willing to crawl in a mile long station wagon with 15 year olds wanting to learn how to drive, has nerves of steel. Will always remember his great sense of humor and life lessons taught over marathon games of triominos. Rest in peace.
Amber Gallagher
Saturday, November 9, 2024
I will never forget him. A great coach and ro-model for anyone he came in contact with..... He taught me a lot and I looked up to him as a coach and an athlete. He will be missed and his memory cherished.
David Williams
Saturday, November 9, 2024
He was my coach for 3 years and he was a great friend. Proud you are with the best coach of all.
LeAnn Ford
Friday, November 8, 2024
I'm deeply sorry to hear of Coach's passing. He was a wonderful man, teacher, coach. He was always "Coach" to me. I remember in high school during my study hall I'd always go to the gym and he'd let me grade his math papers. I was always "Ford" to him, 1 of the 3 Ford girls. I'm not certain he could ever remember who was who. After high school when I started working on various restaurants, whenever he would come in it was always "hey Coach" and he'd smile and give a little nod. When his order was ready I never said "Larry", it was "Coach." He was one of my favorite patrons to see coming in. I'm gonna miss you Coach! Prayers for comfort to all his family and everyone that ever knew him. He was a great man!
George R. Sisco
Friday, November 8, 2024
I was so saddened upon reading the obituary for Larry Cotton. The world lost a first class citizen and person upon his death. I grew up with Larry and we had so much fun as kids. We were in the same school class in the Marshall schools. Larry was a super school student and a good friend to a lot of people. He had a wonderful reputation as a teacher and basketball coach and was a devout Christian. The world lost a true gentleman with his death. All of Larry's relatives will most certainly be in my prayers.
Johnathan Horton
Friday, November 8, 2024
Coach Cotton was one of a kind. Great coach, great teacher and a great sense of humor. Upstanding member of the community . Everything you could want in a role model to teenagers. He really was a legend.
Dessa J Ford
Friday, November 8, 2024
Truly sorry to hear of coach's passing he was one of a kind for sure I Loved being in his Math class he always called me by my last name I guess because He couldn't pronounce my first :) condolences to the family
Danny Martin
Friday, November 8, 2024
Coach was a one of a kind,and a great influence in my life,he always believed in me. Gonna miss you lots coach,prayers and condolences out to each and every one who knew him he will be greatly missed.
Pat Halsted
Thursday, November 7, 2024
Prayers of peace and comfort for his family.
Janie Threm
Thursday, November 7, 2024
My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family and friends Larry was a coach to me at St Joe High School in the 1980's. He was a great friend and will be missed
Jim and Charlsie McBride
Thursday, November 7, 2024
With our sympathy.
Walter McElroy
Thursday, November 7, 2024
So sorry to hear of Coach Cotton’s passing. He was coaching at Marshall when I played at Valley Springs. Always had a lot of respect for him. Later when I began my coaching career he was coaching at St Joe. I spoke with him on several occasions and learned a lot. First thing was to learn to be you and not mimic others. Actually took a lot from him in developing the staple in my coaching philosophy. Enormous respect for Coach Cotton.
John Ross
Thursday, November 7, 2024
Coach Cotton was admired and loved by many of his students. He taught us to believe in ourself and respect others. He will be missed by many and another legend goes to heaven.
Janet Rainbolt
Thursday, November 7, 2024
Sorry to hear of Larry's passing. He was a good man. Praying for strength and comfort for the family at this difficult time.
Brandon Laymon
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
While I never had Coach Cotton as a basketball Coach I did have him as a 5th grade teacher. He was an awesome teacher. He stepped in and took over teaching when the other teacher was out because he got kicked by a horse
Jerry Massey
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Sorry to hear of Coach passing.
Elaine Blair
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
So sorry that our community has lost this man. He will be missed by his many friends and most especially by our Marshall Methodist Church family.
Emma Carson
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Coach Cotton was such a nice man. He and his sweet wife, Mary Nell, were our senior class sponsors in 1963. Both were special to our class. Wonderful couple.
Marsha Kilburn Hinson
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Larry Cotton was a legend. He was certainly one of the good guys! He and my Uncle Jim were friends and played basketball together at Arkansas Tech. He went outbid his way to check on my grandparents after Jim’s early passing. And he married sweet Mary Nell. He will always hold a spot in my heart. He was a good man…
Wesley and Loretta Smith
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Coach Cotton was a great friend of mine and all who knew him. He will be missed. RIP
Nina Baysinger
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
RIP Coach
James and Leada Horton
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Our love and prayers to all the family. Larry was a very nice man and I enjoyed walking some with him at the community center. God Bless.
Brenda Dishaw
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
I thought a lot of Coach Larry. His Mom Madge and my Grandma Yolian were first cousins. I remember the last time I saw him. We were laughing about how many times he had to splint my finger. It was almost every we played volleyball at school. That finger is still crooked. Love you Coach and will miss you.
Gail Wallis Morton
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Prayers for Coach Cotton’s family and friends!
Connie and Ruth Wallis Family
Dr. Char Uzzel
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Condolences- lots of good memories
Tim Massey
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Larry was a great man. He’ll be missed.
Phil Treat
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Coach Cotton was someone I looked up to and greatly respected. Taught me how to be a man. Lesson’s learned from him were invaluable to me. Will remember him always and can’t wait to see him again! Rest in peace my friend.
TAMMY BRIDWELL
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Larry was a well-known individual with a giving spirit. My grandson sure thought a lot of him. He will be dearly missed by everyone in Marshall.
Debbie Mcdaniel
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Prayers for the family. He will be truly missed
Robert Henderson
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
I remember you being my drivers ed teacher and a delightful coach to all of us. Prayers for the family and am so glad got to know you and Mr Cotton cared for his students and a great ping pong player as well.
Tracie Tudor
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
My favorite memory is my parents Donnie and Katharine Tudor playing pitch at his house after basketball games! I got to play occasionally. He and my dad were good friends. He will be missed.
Faye Preddy
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
It is with deep sadness that I post on this sight.Coach was a friend to many and and inspiration to all who knew him.My condolences to his family and friends.
Rhonda Carter
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
So very sorry to hear this. Prayers for the family. He was always such a happy go lucky guy RIP coach.
Toby Long
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Sorry to hear of Coach Cotton passing!! He was a Great Man and a Friend!!R.I.P. Coach
Gordon Carr
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
My time with Larry at Arkansas Tech, both as a teammate and a roommate are a treasured memory for me. We shared a dorm room my senior year and he was a good and caring friend. Gordon Carr, Berryville, AR
Valorie Horton Passmore
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
So sadden for this loss to our community!! Coach Cotton was an icon for his students near and far!! I always loved to watch him coach, the way he would shake his head, or rub it when the play didn’t go as planned. I know Mary Nell was waiting on him just like she did for all those years following him and his teams all over Arkansas!! Rest in peace dear Coach Cotton you definitely left your mark!!
Traci Stephens
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Kelly Davis
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
I always loved seeing Coach and Ms. Mary Nell on the Arkansas Tech campus or a High School gymnasium. He loved talking basketball and all the friendships he made during the years. He will be missed. Prayers to the family during this time.
Clara Foshee
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Prayers of comfort for family and friends
Billy B Wallis
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Another one of the great ones gone home. RIP Coach
Mike Harris
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and all the people who were influenced by Coach Cotton.
I remember working with his Dad in school. Coach will be missed.
Jean Elliott
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Was so very sorry to hear of his passing! He was a friend, my prayers go to his many very close friends , and the ones that was always there for him,
Laura Ragland
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Alodia Hankins
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
My prayers and thoughts during this time of loss. Coach Cotton shaped the lives of so many. He brought more than basketball to so many, his dedication and faith in his players on and off the court helped to shape our lives in so many ways. Coach Cotton was a one in a million and I am forever grateful to have been one of his players. May your journey rejoining your lovely wife be wrapped in the love and memories of those whose lives you have touched and changed forever.
Tom Hendrix
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Few are called to carry the torch of educator or coach or mentor. Even fewer carry that torch high enough to shine far enough into the future that it lights the way for so many to benefit from it. Larry is a Legend. He will be missed by many.
Shawna Jolly-Wilbanks
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Dear Family- I am so sorry to hear of your great loss. Coach Cotton was an amazing man who taught us many valuable life lessons. He will be remembered fondly by our community. My prayers are for you all that God would give His strength, peace and comfort during this most difficult time of grief.
Pat and Shawn carter
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Very good man. He will be missed
Steven Smith
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
So sorry to hear of his passing. Really enjoyed having him as a teacher
Sharla Neal
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Mr. Coach Cotton-you will be greatly missed.
Eddie and Pam Cannada
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
We are so sorry to hear of Coach Cotton passing. Dear memories of school when he was a teacher and coach.
Farrell Jackson
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
He was a great coach RIP Coach
Shanndoah Cassell
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
He was the most memorable person, coach, teacher an mentor I had the honor to have. No one could beat his sarcastic sense of humor, loved it. Amazing person will always remember with love
James and Jeri White
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Our deepest sympathy
Samuel Hale
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
I am saddened by the passing of Larry may the Father of all comfort be with the family.