Harold "Hal" Dean Cotton

Harold “Hal” Dean Cotton, 84, a resident of High Point passed away on Tuesday August 2, 2016 at the Hospice Home at High Point. Hal was born March 22, 1932 in Auburndale Florida to Drew Guilford Cotton and Cora Curington Cotton; the youngest of 10 children, four brothers and five sisters. He married Mary Ann Cheek October 20, 1951, and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1954. After receiving an honorable discharge, he completed his college education, through the G.I. Bill, at the University of Florida, Gainesville, receiving a Bachelors Degree in Business in 1957. Upon graduation, Hal was hired as a Contract Representative by E&I Cooperative Services of Long Island, NY. After 10 years in New York, he was appointed to open a branch office in the south. He chose High Point because of its proximity to so many of the colleges, universities, and manufacturers he visited in his work.

Hal was E&I's Southeast Regional Manager until his retirement in 1991, after 33 years with the company. Throughout his working life, and despite the travel required, he remained dedicated to the priorities of being active in the church and community, and spending time with his family, who were able to travel with him on many of his business trips.

All those who know Hal are well aware of his love for the game of golf, and his job gave him the opportunity to play at courses throughout the country. He was a volunteer and head ranger at Oak Hollow and Blair Park golf courses in High Point, and as a dedicated amateur was always willing to help others learn the game. Throughout his fight with cancer, which began in August of 2015, he continued to play whenever possible, and to work out at the hospital Fitness Center. His faith likewise remained strong, and in our sorrow we nonetheless rejoice that he is now at home with the Lord.

Hal is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Mary Ann Cheek Cotton, his daughter Karen Cotton of Greensboro; his son Russell Cotton of Knightdale and wife Sharon; and his granddaughter Alexa.

Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the Hanes-Lineberry Funeral Home Sedgefield Chapel conducted by the Reverend Steve Smith. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. until service time. Private family interment services will be held.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Hal’s name be made to the Hospice Home at High Point, 1803 Westchester Dr., High Point, NC 27262 or to the Open Door Ministries of High Point Inc., 400 North Centennial Ave., High Point, NC 27262