Billie Cotten

Billie Eugene Cotten made his debut on March 20, 1957. As a child he was curious, adventurous, and a collector of everything. All traits he carried with him into adulthood. When Billie was 11 his family moved from Orange, CA to Continental Divide, and finally to Gallup, NM; the place Billie called home. As a teen, Billie worked construction with his dad, Truman, building many of the brick buildings in Gallup. As well as working in his mother, Lavina's restaurants. In the mid 1970's, Billie left Gallup High to join the Gallup Fire Department. In 1977, he joined the US Coast Guard, where he served on the USCGC Midgett, and was stationed in Monterey. While in Monterey, Billie met and married Teresa (Finch). To this union came Wayne, Jennifer, Samantha, and Jacob. After being honorably discharged from the USCG, Billie moved back to Gallup, where he went into car sales. In the early 1990's, Billie joined the US Navy Reserves, as he was compelled to do his part during the Gulf War. In 1996, Billie moved to Dolores, CO. There he met Kerri. They were married on March 20, 1997, and joked often that she was his birthday present. To this union came Quentin and William. The couple moved to Arizona where Billie worked in maintenance, sales, and construction. In 2003, the family moved to Gallup. Billie went back into sales. He decided to become a truck driver, and join the NM Army National Guard 1116th. Again, he felt compelled to serve his county during the war in Iraq. After not being deployed with the Nat'l Guard, Billie finally got his chance to go to Iraq in 2008 as a civilian working for KBR, and running with the Marines. In 2009, Billie came home, and went to work as a bail bondsman. Billie retired in 2019, and moved with his wife to their property in Thoreau. After the move, Billie spent his days fishing at Bluewater, and going on day trip adventures, finding new restaurants to enjoy and making memories. Billie left this world for a new adventure on January 7, 2024 at the age of 66. Billie leaves behind his wife, and best friend, Kerri, son Wayne Cotten of Phoenix, AZ, daughter Jennifer Parrish (Jason) of Campbellsville, KY, daughter Samantha Leigh of Campbellsville, KY, son Jacob Cotten of Campbellsville, KY, son Quentin Cotten (Pearl) of Gallup, NM, son William Cotten (Lisa) of Gallup, NM, his adopted children, daughter Tinisha Ricehill, of Gallup, NM, and son Jonathan Mescale of Gallup, NM. Grandchildren Amariss, Vanity, Victor, Jack, Jasmyn, Jackie, Andrew, Jessie-mae, Destiny, Luke, David, Alexus, and Abernathy, and 3 great-grandchildren. As well as those kids who came into his life and became part of the family. Billie was preceded in death by his dad Truman Cotten, brother Patrick Cotten, and sister Julie Huber.