Eugene Thomas Cottingham, son of the late Percy L. Cottingham and the late Doretha Croswell Cottingham sadly fell asleep to claim his heavenly home on Tuesday, September 2, 2024. Eugene was born on March 25, 1953, in Marion Station, MD, the last of 10 children.
He attended Carter G. Woodson Elementary and Middle School in Crisfield, MD and graduated with the class of 1971 from Crisfield High School. In 1972, Eugene joined the U.S. Air Force and bravely served until 1976. Once honorably discharged, Eugene was employed with the U.S. Postal Service and several other employments throughout his life. At one point, Eugene worked for himself as a Carpenter, where he refinished furniture and fabricated handmade benches and picnic tables. Eugene mostly enjoyed traveling across the U.S. as a Commercial Truck Driver until his retirement.
Eugene loved nature and could be found taking nature walks regularly. He enjoyed finding wood and transforming it into ‘walking sticks’ that he hand-carved and gifted to friends and family. He also enjoyed reading and could be found singing often at family functions and special occasions.
Eugene leaves to cherish his memory: one daughter, Tamala Cottingham of Bridgeton, NJ; one son, Erik Palmer-Bey and one daughter-in-law, Ashaki Palmer-Bey of Philadelphia, PA; six grandchildren, Tenae, Tyrone, Jannah, Tiana, Zahara, and Egypt; one great granddaughter, Jadee; three sisters, Delores Jackson (Richard) of Bridgeton, NJ, Diane Johnson (Clifton) of Parsonsburg, MD, and Jacqueline West (Theodore) of Salisbury, MD; one sister-in-law, Bertha Cottingham (Donald) of Hanover, MD; and a host of much loved nephews, nieces, other relatives, and friends.
In addition to his parents, Percy and Doretha, Eugene is preceded in death by five brothers, Michael, Llewellyn, Jimmy, Percy Jr., and Donald Cottingham; two sisters, Gertrude Croswell and Barbara Nock; and one brother-in-law, Clifton Johnson.
A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, September 14, 2024, at John Wesley United Methodist Church, 27945 Holland Crossing Road, Marion Station, MD, with a viewing one-hour prior. A public viewing will be held 2:00 PM-6:00 PM Friday, September 13, 2024, at Anthony E. Ward, Jr. Funeral Home in Princess Anne, MD. Interment will be held 2:00 PM Monday, September 16, 2024, at the Eastern Shore Veteran’s Cemetery, Hurlock, MD.
9 Responses
Uncle Gene,
You have been a pillar in your family more than you know. From your laid back way of thinking to the comical sayings and jokes you shared with your children , nieces and nephews. Our hearts will forever miss you. Our love for you will shine as bright as the sun shines. It is not in our power to keep you on this earth, but to understand and appreciate that GOD has called HIS son home to enjoy his new life. Although your leaving is going to take some time to get over, I just wanted you to know how much you meant to your family. We love you forever and always.. Until we meet again. Rest peacefully in Heaven.
**Percy, Donald, and Eugene Cottingham…RIP**
Dear family, Sending love and prayers to you during this difficult time. We will treasure the many fond memories. God will sustain us and grant us peace as we gain strength from each other.
My deepest condolences to the family. Prayers for God to sustain you during this time 🙏🫂❤️
To the family of our dear classmates.
The Class of 1971, is heart broken to hear of the passing of our beloved classmate. Eugene was a wonderful person and a classmate that would give a helping hand to any his classmates. My sophomore year in High School I was pregnant with my oldest child and often he assist me carrying
my school books from one class to the other. We didn’t have lockers back then.
Sleep on my comrad…God loved you best and took you home rest.😪🙏🏽💜
With Deepest Sympathy,
Violet Lee
Master Sargeant( MSG/E8)
US Army (Retired)
C
My deepest condolences to the family 🙏 for your comfort and strength
On behalf of the Green and Tate Families,
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We pray for you and lift you all up.
Gene was always considered part of our family and always had the same calm demeanor whenever I saw him. Tammy, Erik and the rest of the Cottingham family, I pray the wonderful memories you have in your heart provide you with peace.
In Jesus’ Name, I pray!🙏🏽🙌🏽💞
Dimple
My thoughts and prayers are with the family, whom I have known all of my life. Gene always had a smile and brought joy to everyone. I will definitely miss him. May God continue to give you all His Peace and Strength 🙏🏽
💕
..
My thoughts and prayers are with the family, whom I have known all of my life. Gene always had a smile and brought joy to everyone. I will definitely miss him. Blessings and Peace.🙏🏽
💕
..
My prayers are with the family, whom I have known all of my life. Gene always had a smile and brought joy to everyone. I will definitely miss him. Blessings and Peace.🙏🏽
💕
..