On Friday July 24, 2009 at 11:22 pm William L. Cotton, Jr. Billy; BJ after a long, brave and determined battle with brain cancer, succumbed with peace and great dignity. He was at home and surrounded by his loving family. His body was weakened by the disease and the treatments. His spirit never was and lives on in our hearts forever.

First-born of three sons, he leaves behind his devoted parents Mary Elizabeth and William L. Cotton Sr. of Newport News, his two brothers and best friends Dave and Matt Cotton of Hampton. He also leaves the following loving family: in NC, Aunt Dorothy and Uncle Steve Bank; in IL, Aunt Kay and Uncle Dick Dodd, Aunt Theresa Baker, Uncle Don Dodd; in DE, Aunt Lois and Uncle Brent Sparks and grandmother Tena Cotton; in FL, Aunt Lauren and Uncle Rob Cotton. In NC, IL, NJ, AL, and KY, he leaves nineteen cousins and fifteen second cousins. He also leaves many friends whose lives he touched and inspired.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents; Dorothy and Earl Dodd; his paternal grandfather; Leslie Cotton; and a maternal Aunt, Nina Ouechani all of whom will embrace and comfort his spirit.

A special thank you to UVA Neuro-Oncology – Dr David Schiff, his nurses, especially Jenny Friend, his staff, the nurses and staff in the infusion center, and the doctors, nurses and staff in the hospital’s neurology department. Their efforts and compassion helped make a difficult time more bearable. A special thank you as well to Heartland Hospice, their loving support was invaluable.

A Celebration of Life is planned for 2 pm, August 29, 2009 – Billy’s 42nd birthday- at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 415 Youngs Mill Lane, Newport News.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the UVA Neurology Department. For information on how to give and how to designate gifts:
http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/development/home.cfm or 800 297-0102 or 434 924-8432.

William, Billy, BJ we will love and cherish you forever!

Cremation Society of Virginia, Hampton Roads office is assisting the family.