Philip Cotting “Cottie” Morse III, passed away peacefully at home on March 20, 2025. A true Florida cracker, Cottie was born in Lakeland, Florida to Philip C. Morse Jr. and his wife Olive Olliphant Morse.
Cottie and his family moved to Naples while building Boat Haven in 1957. Boat Haven was the first full-service marina on Naples Bay.
Cottie graduated from Admiral Faragut Prep School where he played football. He received a Bachelor of Science in Business from Ogelthorpe University in Atlanta, GA.
Because of his love of fishing and hunting, Cottie returned to Naples which was a paradise to all who were able to enjoy it in the early days. Cottie was larger than life; whether he was digging archeological sites in Central America with his father, sitting in a tree stand, or on safari in Africa. He was at home on the water, sailing his Friendship sloop, “Peanut” or restoring his pride and joy a Bertram Moppie. He truly lived life to the fullest. No regrets!
Cottie is survived by his wife of 31 years, Janis, his sister, Chrisse Morse, his stepchildren, Sean Stevenson and Shasta Hladovcak, and nephew, Cy Minarich. He had a special place in his heart for his beloved grandchildren, Lily, Holly, Steven, Raymond, Alyssa, Charlie Bird, and his grandnephew Miles.
A Celebration of Life will be held, Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 2-5pm at 2200 Heritage Trail, Naples, FL 34112.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the Collier County Junior Deputies, 3200 Bailey Lane, Suite 199, Naples, FL 34105.
Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens.
