Ronnie A. Cottrill, 70, of Buckhannon passed away peacefully surrounded by friends and family at his home on January 14, 2020.
Ronnie was born on June 17, 1949 in Weston, W.Va. In 1972, he wed Shelia K. Tenney and together they had three children.
Ronnie worked in oil & gas at Sam Jack and as an entrepreneur at Aristocrat Glass. He loved reminiscing of his days operating heavy equipment and moving drilling rigs.
He was an avid follower of basketball and baseball, traveling all over the state following the games and supporting his children’s successes in each. He adored college sports and always supported his WVU Mountaineers. Ronnie was a collector of sports cars, and a Mustang or Camaro could often be found in his driveway.
Ronnie was an honored veteran of the United States Army. Having served in Vietnam, he received several decorations including the Purple Heart, Bronze Star with Valor, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, two Overseas Bars, the Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Valor, Rifle M-14 Sharpshooter, Machine Gun M-60 Second Class, Rifle M-16 Marksman, Air Medal with Oak Clusters, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 DVC.
His pride in family and love for animals will be carried on in his three children: Fredericka D. Rollins and husband, James, Kip A. Cottrill and fiancé, Erika, and Zack L. Cottrill and wife, Casey Jo; five grandchildren: Garrett, Kathryn and husband Matthew, Cora, Koop, and Faith; one great grandchild, Kimora; one brother, Junior Reed and wife Hilda; and his loving canine companions, Poco, Jax, Eleanor, Millie, and Petey.
Ronnie was proceeded in death by his mother, Pauline Bailey, and best friend, Olen Reed Queen.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that in memory of Ronnie, donations be made to the Lewis/Upshur Animal Shelter.
Friends and family will gather at Poling St. Clair Funeral Home in Buckhannon, W.Va. from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2020. Funeral services will be Friday at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. J. Edward McDaniels officiating. Burial will follow at the Heavner Cemetery in Buckhannon. Military honors will be accorded graveside by the Upshur County Honor Guard.
A meal following burial service will be provided by Tallmansville Baptist Church.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to West Virginia Hospice, St. Joseph’s Hospital staff, caretakers, and Dr. Bartley Brown for their care and kindness over the last several months.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
