Earl Cotton, Jr.

Earl Cotton Jr., 91, passed away Thursday, April 3, 2025, while at home. A graveside service will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 10, at Waco Memorial Park with Rev. Roy Marshall officiating. The family plans a private visitation time.

Earl was born at home in Hico, Texas. He spent his early years there before the family relocated to Waco, where he graduated from Waco High School. After graduation, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Following his military service, Earl worked in supermarket management for many years. During his career he worked as a manager at Safeway stores in Austin, Hillsboro, and several Waco-area locations, before “retiring” (for the first time). In his not-so-spare time, he was a Director of Lake Air Little League Football while his sons were young. He was also an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout his life. 

On February 19, 1958, he married Joyce Garrett of Waco, Texas. Together, they raised two sons.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Cotten Sr. and Minnie Cotten, as well as his sisters, Billie Chaney, Carolyn Johnson, and Betty Hall.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Joyce Cotton; his sister, Donna Coone; his sons, Bobby Cotton and wife Nora, and Earl B. Cotton; grandchildren, Nathaniel Valadez, Samantha Cotton, Bianca Sheridan, Earl A. Cotton, and Alexandra Cotton; and great-granddaughter, Camilla Sheridan, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be his sons, Bobby Cotton and Earl B. Cotton, grandsons, Nathaniel Valadez and Earl A. Cotton, nephew, Michael Chaney, and friend, Gary Gradel. Honorary pallbearers include nephews, Brad Coone and Wayne Chaney.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory of Earl in his online "Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.