CSM Raymond H. Cottrell, Sr.

CSM Raymond H. Cottrell, Sr., age 84, of Guston, KY, passed away on Monday, February 5, 2018, at Jewish Hospital in Louisville, KY. Ray, Sr. was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. His number one priority throughout his life was his devotion to his entire family. He was a retired Command Sergeant Major of the United States Army. While in the Army, he served 3 tours of overseas combat duty. He was the owner of Ray’s Ford-Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Ram in Brandenburg, KY and was a Thoroughbred race horse owner. Ray, Sr. was appointed as Commissioner of the Kentucky Motor Vehicle Commission by 6 Governors of the State. He was very involved in local politics. Ray Sr. was passionate about his community. He was a leader in numerous ways. This was demonstrated by his purchase of Ramsey Field and subsequent donation to Little League Baseball for life.

CSM Cottrell was preceded in death by his parents, Charles William and Violet Fourquen Cottrell; and a granddaughter, Ashley. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Lovell Cottrell; two children, Brenda Cottrell Tyree, and her husband, Mike, Lexington, KY and Ray Cottrell, Jr., and his wife, Karen, Ekron, KY; two siblings, Clyde Cottrell and Lovita Cottrell, both of Richmond, VA; 7 grandchildren, Joey and Ryan Tyree, Chris and Aron Cottrell, Angie Wise, and Devin and Dustin Darnall; 16 great grandchildren; a foster daughter, Peggy Newman; and three foster grandchildren, Amy, Mandi and Anna.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 9, 2018, at Vine Grove Baptist Church, with Chaplain Larry Vance officiating. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Cap Anderson Cemetery in Brandenburg, KY. Visitation will be held at Hager Funeral Home in Brandenburg, from 11:00 AM until 8:00 PM on Thursday, and at the church from 9:00 AM until the time of service on Friday. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Broadbent Wildlife Sanctuary Online, 100 Guston-Bewleyville Road, Guston, KY 40142; or to the Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org/donate.

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