Biography: Mr. Edward Ralph Cotham IV of Little Rock passed away at home of cancer on Friday, October 12, 2023. He died as he lived, surrounded by loving family.

Born July 28, 1940, in Little Rock, Arkansas, his parents were Edward Ralph Cotham III and Eloise Thompson Cotham. His wife of 62 years, Mary Frances Buxton Cotham, survives him as do four of their five children, Cathy Harris (Jeffery), Christy LeMaster (Keith), Elizabeth Furman (Matthew) and Nancy Black (Dameron) and his eight grandchildren: Sarah, Thomas, John, Josh, Andrew, Zach, Caroline and Quinn. His son, Edward Ralph Cotham V, and his brother, Russell Thompson Cotham, predeceased him in 1967 and 1984, respectively.

A lifetime resident of Little Rock, Ralph was a product of the city’s public school system and a graduate of Little Rock Central High School (Class of ‘58). He attended Vanderbilt University (Class of ‘62), where he obtained his bachelors and his law degree (Class of ‘64). A licensed CPA, Ralph worked for a time at his father’s accounting firm before taking a position with the Frank Lyon company as its Chief Financial Officer. Following the sale of that company, he spent 10 years as an educator teaching undergraduate accounting classes at Hendrix College and, later, at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock. He was well known as an effective and friendly instructor who loved the give and take with students and his colleagues, but would think of any excuse to avoid dry faculty meetings.

Known to family, friends and strangers alike as a man generous with his time and resources, Ralph was extremely civic minded and served on the board of directors of Presbyterian Village and the Board of Pensions for the Presbyterian Church, Residential Housing and Facilities for the City of Little Rock, Arkansas Community Health and Education Foundation, Twin Cities Bank, and was the longtime treasurer of Westover Hills Church. He and his wife established a speakers series at Westover Hills Presbyterian Church in honor of their deceased son, Little Ralph. Ralph received many honors in his lifetime and was particularly proud of having become an Eagle Scout in his youth and achieving Phi Beta Kappa as a Vanderbilt undergraduate. He and Mary Frances were voted “best citizens” in the historic senior class of 1958 at Little Rock Central High School.

Ralph counted many blessings in his lifetime, none more dear to him than meeting in the 9th grade the woman who would become his wife, Mary Frances Buxton. Married in 1961, the couple started a growing family and burgeoning careers, yet found the time to travel the world many times over, visiting all seven continents and more than 50 countries. Whether he was at Everest base camp or Antarctica, Ralph was always at the front of the tour group, learning all that he could and engaging with the guides to learn even more. Passionate about learning and experiencing all the world had to offer, Ralph had a deep affection for history, Democratic politics, a good story or a wonderful meal shared with friends or family.

Ralph’s love for travel was passed down to his children and grandchildren and he and Mary Frances often traveled internationally with each of their children’s families, or with the entire family altogether. As much as Ralph loved his home and community, it was not uncommon for him to return from one long trip only to start planning the next, living up to the Boy Scout motto of “always be prepared.”

Ralph and Mary Frances were long-time supporters of Second Presbyterian Church and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. Donations in Ralph’s memory can be made to either, or a local organization of the donor’s choice.

A service celebrating Ralph’s life will be held at Second Presbyterian Church of Little Rock on Saturday, October 21 at 2:30pm.  Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com