Preston Thomas Cottman

Preston Thomas Cottman, age 87, born August 11, 1928 to the late Willis Cottman, Sr. and Annie Cottman departed this earthly life on Monday, November 30, 2015.  Preston, the second of 14 children was educated in the Somerset County Public School System.  He met Dolores “Wragg” and went on to marry her in 1949.  Through this union 7 children were born.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Missionary Baptist Church. Prior to his failing health, he helped maintain the grounds at the church and was very active in ensuring the upkeep of the church.

Preston worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator for the James Julian Construction Company and later for George & Lynch Construction Company until his retirement in 1993.  Prior to his work in construction he was a tenant farmer for the late George Alder for 12 years.  Preston was an awesome gardener and was known to feed the community along with his family.  He was an animal lover and anyone that knew him knows that all his animals had names and how much he loved Critter. And how can one forget Lightning. When Preston was not working, he shared his passion for raising hunting dogs and hunting with his brothers, long-time friends and his oldest nephew “Bunny” Lloyd Harmon.

Preston was a quiet and honest man known to have a big heart.  He was well known in the community and loved gathering with family and friends. He was an excellent provider and many times in addition to taking care of his own family he helped many others. He was strict with his children (especially the girls) instilling in them good morals and values to carry them throughout life. He loved his grand and great grand kids unconditionally and could often be heard imparting life lessons to them. Each one of them held a special place in his heart.

Preston, fondly known as “Tuff”, Pop-Pop, Uncle “That Did It”, Uncle Preston, Uncle Pres and other names too numerous to mention, leaves to celebrate his life and memories, Dolores, his wife of 66 years; his 7 children, Geraldine Shelton, Preston Cottman (Charlotte), JoAnn Cottman, Janice Cottman-Waters (Jeff), Gregory Cottman (Rose), Vincent Cottman (Sharon), and Willis “Whip” Cottman.  Eight grandchildren, Craig McGill, Patrick Cottman, Sr., Gregory Cottman, Shayla Baldwin, Jamison White, Onika Cottman, Jana White, Brianna Cottman;  13 great grandchildren, Jeremiah and Logan McGill, Patrick Cottman, Jr, Jeylon White,  Khadri-Jaree’’ Cottman, Breasya Hall, Braylen Cottman, Zayla Baldwin, Gregory, Jr., Gemani, Kameron, Jha’rael and Ghamel Cottman; sisters, Josephine Harmon, Elsie Collins, Vida Jackson (Richard), Marguerite Grant, Lucille Cook, and Betty Cottman; brothers Omar (Joyce) and Samuel Cottman, Sr. (Bernice).  Sisters and brother-in-laws, Rovella Cottman, Helena Wragg, Pamela Anderson (Curtis), Lonnie Cropper, Marquita Bivens; a host of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and a wealth of friends. He also leaves to celebrate his life and memories, three very special god daughters, Kyana A. McGill, Devoy Taylor and Luzetta Jones.

Preston was preceded in death by four brothers, Robert, Willis, Jr., Alexander, Randolph, and one sister, Lennie.

Preston was known for many Preston’isms.  The most famous of those (let us all say together one more time) Yee! That Did It”, “One Day at a Time” (his favorite hymn).

A funeral service will be held 2:00 PM Sunday, December 6, 2015 at St. Mary’s Missionary Baptist Church in Princess Anne.  A viewing will be held 6-8 PM Saturday at Anthony E. Ward Jr. Funeral Home in Princess Anne.