Willis John Cotton Jr.

Willis accepted Christ at a young age and joined the Pilgrim Baptist Church, Fort Wayne, Indiana under the leadership of his uncle, Rev Sam Shade Jr.

As a young man, Willis entered into the United States Army in August 1979 and was a Veteran of the Gulf War. He served his country proudly for 15 years until he received an Honorable Discharge in September 1994. Willis and family later moved to Champagne, Illinois where he worked as a District Manager for McDonald’s Corporation and was later promoted to a Regional Manager. He also was the owner of PopCotton Gourmet Popcorn.

Willis was united in Holy Matrimony to Maudine Bolling on September 27, 1986. To this union 1 child was born, Troy Michael Cotton.

Willis enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and high school classmates, but his main passion was spoiling his granddaughters; Gbaby 1 (London) and Gbaby 2 (Journee). Willis was an avid roller skater and the General Manager of Roller Dome South. He would spend countless hours at the skating rink with Gbaby 1 passing the sport he loved to his granddaughter.

Willis leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife, Maudine Cotton; son, Troy Cotton (Anjelica); granddaughters, London Harmony and Journee Noelle all of Fort Wayne; godson, Reginald Green of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; mother-in-law, Annie Mae Bolling; aunts, Roberta Evans and Georgia Mack; uncles, Rev. Sam Shade Jr. (Arthella), Andrew Shade Sr., and Johnny James Lewis; sisters-in-law, Angela (Carlos) Medina and Patricia (Cleauthur) Billingsley; brothers-in-law, Lang Bolling and Leon Bolling; with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Celebration of Life 12:00pm Thursday, February 11, 2021 at D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home 1140 Lake Ave. with visitation two hours prior to service.