Jack F. Cotton
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Nov 30th, 2017
- Death Date: Nov 30, 2017
- Save: Print this Obituary
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Biography: Jack Franklin Cotton was born in Tupelo, Mississippi on February 10, 1944 and passed away November 30, 2017. He was a man who never met a stranger, was the life of the party, and a friend to all. You can trace his life by the nicknames he was dubbed by the people that loved him. Growing up in Memphis, Tennessee he was called ?Kink?, by his numerous cousins due to his white curly hair. He attended Saint Teresa?s Little Flower, Catholic Church and school where he started his long football career at 3 years old as the mascot for the school team. He attended Christian Brother?s High School where he was called ?Shelby? for Shelby County, Tennessee because he lettered in football, baseball, basketball and track. As quarterback he was voted All-Memphis for offense and defense in football. His senior year he was recruited by the Saint Louis Cardinals. In, 1998 Jack was inducted into the Christian Brother?s Hall of Fame. At the University of Tennessee, he was known by his football teammates as ?Cotton?. He was recruited by The Volunteers as a quarterback but ended up playing as a monster back. After his senior year he had his most defining moment in his life when he married his college sweetheart, Ellen Tidwell, wife of 52 years. After a successful career as a Volunteer he was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys as a punter, but Uncle Sam drafted him to Vietnam. During his time in Vietnam he was known as ?The Aide? because he was the aide to Colonel Dwight Adams. He served in the Army from 1967 to 1970 during the TET Offense. In 1969, he became ?Daddy? when Jack and Ellen had their first child, Mary Claire. Four years later they had their second child, Jack Franklin, II. Mary Claire would go on to marry Tommy Hopper and Jack would marry Shelby Wittenberg. Jack was hired by Witt Stephens in 1976 to leave Union Planters in Memphis and move to Little Rock. During his 36 years at Stephens he worked his way up to Vice President of Municipal Dealer Sales. While at Stephens he was affectionately known as ?Bubba? because Jack could never remember names, therefore he called people Bubba to cover this fact. ?Papa? was his new nickname once Taylor, his first grandchild was born. Taylor was proceeded by Shelby, Witt, and Thomas. Up until his final days he would reminisce about spending time with his grandchildren at his cabin on The Little Red River in Georgetown, Arkansas. The family appreciates all the love and care they received from the VA Hospital, Clarity Pointe, St. Vincent?s Hospital, and Hospice. Jack?s funeral service will be held at Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 West Markham St., Little Rock, Arkansas on December 4, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. followed be a celebration of Jack?s life from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Ruebel. The family has requested that memorials be made to the Humane Society of choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.
I'm so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Love,
Mary Katherine
We are saddened by Mr. Jack's passing and I know he certainly will be missed. Sending prayers
Love,
Ronda
It's been many years since I've seen Mr Cotton, but I will always remember how kind and welcoming he was from the very first time I met him. Ian and I are so very sorry for your loss. I wish we could be there to comfort you during this time. We love you all so very much.
Sorry to hear about Jackie. He was fun to be around. I'm sure I speak for all your former classmates at Whitehaven High with our thoughts and prayers.
T.K.
There are people we meet in our lives that are the reason we have chosen the profession we work in. Jack along with your family was one of those special families for me. In the short time I knew Jack he had become a special person in my heart and Ellen your love and care for him spoke deeply to my heart. He and you will always hold a very special place in my heart. Prayers for you and your family.
Ann Dedmon
My thoughts and sympathy are extended to you and your family. May the wonderful and cherished memories bring comfort. God Bless
We are sorry to hear of Jack?s passing. Y?all are in our thoughts and prayers.
I know that he and Gary are watching over us, Ellen...you and the children will remain in my thoughts, prayers and heart.