Robert Willie Cotton, Jr.

Mr. Robert Willie Cotton Jr., 86, passed away peacefully at home into the hands of the Lord on 8 July 2026. Born on 12 November 1939 to the late Mr. Robert W. Cotton Sr. and Mrs. Gladys Ivey Cotton. The youngest child with 2 sisters, Margaret Armstrong (Augusta) and Doris Hanson, preceded him in death, and his devoted nephew, Kevin Anthony Hairston, preceded him in death. Mr. Cotton was a baptized member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church and walked as a faithful servant of the Lord throughout his life journey. He graduated from Lucy Craft Laney High School as a star football athlete and continued his education at Paine College. He later married and had three children, Deinene Freeman (Augusta), Rodney Cotton (Atlanta), and Lisa Michelle Cotton (Augusta) (preceded him in death).

He was employed as a Mechanical Engineer for the Georgia Railroad lines, maintaining the brake line systems for freight trains carrying supplies across the country. He later moved on to Howard Hill Flooring as the Store Manager to pursue his passion for carpentry and building. Often referred to as “Uncle Junior” or “Cotton” by family and friends. He put his skills to use helping local churches and friends with home projects.

Mr. Cotton loved helping those in need, especially children. He spent time feeding and providing clothing to those in need at local shelters, often at the expense of his own needs. He stayed on the go even while battling cancer for years without complaining. People who cared for him at the Health Community Center had nothing but praise for him. The City of Augusta transportation drivers all knew Mr. Cotton because of his frequent use of the service. He kept them company during his trips to appointments or while shopping around the city.

He was soft-spoken and loved by many, especially his niece Millie. They spent numerous hours in front of the television on both Saturday and Sunday watching game after game. They can recall historical and current statistics of players on the fly. He never wanted to move from the sight of her home to ensure she made it home safely. From his front porch or his neighbor’s, he ensured the safety and could recall the comings and goings of all visitors. He routinely placed dinner or grocery requests, but please don’t forget his Coke (Coca-Cola).

As a Laney alumnus, he traveled to support and watch the football team in his early years. In his later years, he was often found watching games at the stadium locker room entrance fence line or listening to them on the radio. His beloved song, “Just a Rose Will Do,” came, but not before the recent retirement of his jersey and his induction into the High School Football Hall of Fame under coach John Tutt.

He accepted the Lord into his heart early in life and lived by this passage throughout his journey. "God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference."

He leaves behind sister Margaret Armstrong (Augusta), 2 children, Deinene Freeman (Augusta) and Rodney Cotton (Atlanta), nephews Carvee Armstrong and Michael Hanson (Augusta), nieces Lydia Greenway (Florida), Loretta Hairston, Ttreon Bush, Millie Armstrong, Lawahna (Kevin) Hairston, Waltina, Shawn, and Michelle Hanson (Augusta), grand-children, and a host of family and friends.

A faithful, loving son, brother, father, uncle, friend, and servant till the end. Mr. Robert Willie Cotton Jr. will truly be missed.

"First name Robert and last name Cotton...C O T T O N."