Ronald was born November 5, 1950, to Les and Kathrine Stokes in Louisville. He was reared in the Nanih Waiya community where he attended school. After graduating from Nanih Waiya, he attended East Central Community College and Mississippi State University. After receiving a degree in business from Mississippi State, Cotton began his career by working for the Farmers Home Administration in Clarksdale, Mississippi. He returned to Louisville in 1978 while working with People’s Bank. In 1992, he transferred to BancorpSouth retiring in 2012 leaving a host of valued customers and friends. Cotton never met a stranger and was a friend to all he met. He valued his time on his farm, being outdoors, and spending time with his family, his cows, and his dog, Lucy.
Cotton is survived by his wife of 13 years Terri Bowen Stokes, a daughter Sonjia (Russ) McReynolds of Starkville, Mississippi, and his step-children: Emily Kohen of Fullerton, California, Chelsea Kohen of Shannon, Mississippi, and Chase (Libby) Kohen of Chattanooga, Tennessee. One of his greatest joys was being “Papa Cotton” to his grandchildren Mac and Sara Stokes McReynolds. He was proud of both of them and enjoyed supporting all of their endeavors. Papa Cotton never missed an opportunity to brag on his grandchildren or show their picture. He also leaves behind his brother Rodney (Paula) Stokes of Louisville, and a host of nieces and nephews. Cotton was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Lamar Stokes, an infant brother, and his sister Susan Fulcher.
Serving as pallbearers are Ronnie Eubanks, Aubrey Holder, Buddy Miller, Jay Stokes, Allen Watts, and Lowell Wilson. Honorary pallbearers are Larry Alexander, Derrell Fulton, Shawn Fulcher, Johnny Holdiness, and Ricky Patterson. Memorials in honor of Cotton may be given to French Camp Academy Development Office, One Fine Place, French Camp, MS 39745 or to South Louisville Baptist Church, c/o Carla Fleming, 933 South Church Avenue, Louisville, MS 39339.
The family would like to thank Legacy Hospice especially his nurses Penny Wells and Madison Womble for their love and support over the last one and one-half years. The family also extends a special thanks to Bessie Mullins who helped care for Cotton daily.
Services are under the direction of Nowell-Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.
