WESLEY — William Gene “Bill” Cotton,

84, of Wesley, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 2, 2023, in his home. He was born on April 11, 1938, in Bentonville, Ark., to T albert William and Virginia Leno Bright Cotton. He married Janice Sue Morris on November 21, 1959, and together they raised two sons.

In his early years, he spent time working at Lake Fayetteville, which was close to where he lived. He told many stories to his family of the time spent working and taking care of the people that came there to enjoy time fishing. After graduating from Fayetteville High School, he spent his early years learning the electrical trade while working with his father who owned Northwest Electric. He served two years in the Arkansas National Guard in the 142nd headquarters at Fayetteville, Ark., during this time. He always dreamed of owning his own farm, and after working in the electrical trade, and marrying his wife Janice, together they moved to Wesley where they purchased their first farm. Though his family doubted, after many years, his dream became reality. He was an honest man that believed in hard work and he instilled this belief in his sons at a very early age.

After many years of farming, he had the idea to start his own real estate business, which became reality in the mid 80’s. Out of this idea, came the successful business known as Mountain Creek Real Estate. He loved to visit with people which helped his business to thrive. He met many individuals and made life-long friends during his real estate years. Some of which became like family to him. He never met a stranger - his wife Janice can attest to this since she fed and boarded many over the years. He was a longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church. He also was a long-time member of the Madison County Soil Conservation Board and the Madison County Regional Water District Board. Through these positions, he worked to help get rural water to Madison county residents. Bill had a long and productive life and passed away right where he wanted to be; at his home with his very dedicated and loving wife by his side.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Janice Morris Cotton; two sons and daughters-in-law, Trent and Brandi Cotton of Elkins and Kent and Tresa Cotton of Wesley; four Grandchildren, Bailey and Justice Cotton, Brady and Leanna Cotton, Britany and Michael Eaton and Brett Cotton; six great-grandchildren, Bentley, Bennett, Brylee, Benjamin, Bowen and Adalee; one daughter-in-law, Kathy Cotton, of Huntsville; and one brother, Delano and Ginger Cotton of Fayetteville; friends, Pete and Mary Hostettler which were a special blessing in his later years. Among many other extended family and friends.

Visitation will be Tuesday, April 4, 2023, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Brashears Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at 10 a.m., at Calvary Baptist Church with Larry Mitchell Officiating and his grandson Bailey delivering a tribute to his life. Internment will immediately follow services at Drakes Creek Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Trent Cotton, Kent Cotton, Bailey Cotton, Brady Cotton, Brett Cotton, Michael Eaton and Pete Hostettler. Honorary Pallbearers will be Phil Thompson, Dan Byler, Wally Byler, Rex Morris, Loy Watson, and Wayne Holiday.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to one of the following; Calvary Baptist Church, PO Box 1019, Huntsville, AR 72740; Arkansas Children’s Foundation, PO Box 2207, Lowell, AR 72745 or online at archildrens.org; or St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis ,TN 38105 or online at stjude.org.

Services are entrusted to Brashears Funeral Home and Crematory of Huntsville.