Willis “Bill” Cottrill left his earthly home early Tuesday morning, August 6, while holding the hand of his granddaughter, Angela.
Bill was born on April 25, 1933, to Harry and Carrie Cottrill in Flower, W.Va. Bill’s mother passed away when he was six months old. Honoring his mother’s wishes, he was raised by his Aunt Bertha and Uncle Frank Cottrill in Morgantown.
Because he never complained, few knew that his mother died when he was young. He was dropped as an infant resulting in left eye blindness and was run over by a truck at the age of seven which left him spending several months in a body cast. Nevertheless, he was an awesome athlete and encourager. He played basketball and football at MHS and then UHS from which he graduated in 1952. He coached his children and grandchildren in a variety of sports.
Bill loved God, his family, all WVU sports, calling the radio stations, gardening and going to Long John Silver’s. For years, he served at First Church of the Nazarene in many capacities. His favorite was the Bus Ministry and the children he would visit on Saturdays. Later, he attended Covenant EMC. After COVID in 2020, he enjoyed his worship from the comfort of his recliner as his grandson, Nathaniel delivered God’s message via the internet.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his aunt and uncle; six brothers; three sisters; and his son, Billy.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Kathryn; daughters, Debbie (Tom) Ferguson and Becki Cottrill; brothers, Bob and John; sisters, Donna Scritchfield and Connie Jackson. In addition are his grandchildren, Bill (Anne) Cottrill; the Rev. Nathaniel (Laura) Ferguson; Rob (Brittney) Ferguson, DJ (Whitney) Lenhart, Cassidy (Joey) Berens; and Dr. Angela Lenhart. His legacy also includes 14 great-grandchildren who will miss the great “Happy Good Pappy”.
The family would like to thank Morgantown Hospice for the wonderful care they provided to both Bill and the family during the last month and the Long John Silver’s crew for making every visit special. If you would like to celebrate his life, visit YouTube and listen to “My Tribute” (To God Be the Glory). Bill often sang this as his testimony.
A private remembrance will be held by the family.
Smith Funeral & Cremation Care and SFCC Crematory of Westover/Morgantown is providing compassionate professional services to the family.
Condolences:
www.smithfcc.com
