William F Cottrill

William F. Cottrill, 94, of Parkersburg, W.Va. passed away Dec. 7, 2011 following an extended illness.He was born July 11, 1917, in Doddridge County, W.Va. to the late Emerson E. and Betty Jane Cottrill.William graduated from Doddridge Co. High School in 1937. He worked at Mountain State Steel Foundry in Parkersburg for 37 years before retiring on disability in 1974. He served as Fire Chief and Union President during that time.He was an ordained Elder of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, currently known as the Parkersburg Restoration Branch of Jesus Christ, being an active member for 62 years.On Jan. 31, 1940 he married Virginia Pigott, his life long companion of nearly 72 years. They have six surviving children; three sons, Glenn Eugene Cottrill (Helen) of Washington, W.Va., David Lee Cottrill (Bonnie) of Auburndale, Fla., William F. Cottrill Jr. (Glenda) of Parkersburg, W.Va.; three daughters, Carol Tracewell (James) of Washington, W.Va., Linda Stribling (Eugene) of Washington, W.Va., and Diana Allman (Thomas) of Parkersburg, W.Va.; one brother, Orval E. Cottrill of Parkersburg, W.Va.; 16 grandchildren: 38 great-grandchildren; and 15 great-great-grandchildren.William was preceded in death by two brothers, Elmer and Ernest Cottrill; one sister, Alice Miracle; and two grandsons, David Malone and David Boyles.William played several musical instruments and enjoyed family get-togethers singing and playing old ballads and gospel music. He served as a Boy Scout Leader in the 50's.He will be remembered by his children and grandchildren for many hours of story telling and restorations of old poems and funny stories. He loved family gatherings in the living room and was known for his rare ability to memorize and explain the scriptures.When asked what he enjoyed most in life he replied, his family and his church family.The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Parkesburg Hospice staff, Dr. Joan Allman of Parkersburg, granddaughter and Professor Cheryl Kilcrease of Hemet, Calif. for their loving care during these last days of our loved one.Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Sat., Dec. 10, 2011 at Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home, 2333 Pike St., Parkersburg, W.Va. with Elders James Tracewell, Glenn Cottrill and Jacob Cottrill. Interment will follow at Evergreen South Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.