Rock Hill, SC – Charles Benson Cottingham, Jr. passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.
The family will receive friends on Monday, May 20, 2024 from 2-3:00 pm at Greene Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, 2133 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732. Burial will follow in Sharon ARP Church Cemetery, 3915 York Street, Sharon, SC 29742.
Charles was born on March 4, 1937, in Florence County, SC to Charles Benson Cottingham and Rosa Mae McLaughlin Cottingham. He graduated from McClenaghan High School in 1955. Charles attended Presbyterian College in Clinton and graduated from Lander College in Greenwood, SC. He served eight years in the SC National Guard.
Charles worked in electronic sales and management his entire career from individual sales to sales representative for the southeastern United States. He was employed with Dixie Electronics of Columbia, SC, Masushita Electric, Chicago, IL, Delta Systems of Columbia, SC and Simplex Time Recorder of Boston, MA.
Charles served on the Kershaw County Planning and Zoning Commission for 6 years. He was a member and past president of the Golden K Club and the Jack Leg Club, both of Camden, SC; and the Bethesda Presbyterian Church also of Camden, SC, where he served as an Elder and member of the choir.
Charles, the man, raced cars, flew planes, enjoyed his motorcycles, boats, and took special pride in his cars and trucks, always keeping them immaculate. He was a skilled carpenter who enjoyed designing and building his decks, dock, and boat house. He refinished special pieces of furniture and also built some. Believing a beautiful yard was welcoming to guests, he did his own landscaping, maintained it to his high standards and actually enjoyed the hard work. However, a kitchen remained foreign territory. Charles was always willing to lend a helping hand. He loved pulling a practical joke, drew cartoons continuously, but never held a grudge. He loved beach music, hymns, and knew all the words and had the voice to sing them.
Being near water provided Charles tranquility, relaxation and a closeness with nature. He enjoyed the weekends at Edisto Beach for about ten years. The 15 years after retirement was enjoyed at Lake Wateree. He personified a man who was totally happy and content with his life. Charles loved the Lord, his family, his many friends and pets. Everyday began with “Thank you Lord for another beautiful day and all Your many blessings.”
Charles is survived by his loving wife, Fran Burgess Cottingham. Also surviving are his daughter, Rebecca Clayton (Jeff) and grandchildren, Alex and Katie of Charlotte; his step-daughter, Tammy Whitton Fagan (Tom) of Clemson, SC; and grandchildren, Kemper Fagan of Rock Hill; Walt Fagan of Picayune, MS, Trent Fagan of Clemson, SC and Ford Fagan of West Point Academy, NY; his brother, James Lewis Cottingham, nephew, Jay of Florence. Charles was preceded in death by his parents and step-son, Robert (Trey) Wayne Whitton, III.
Memorials may be made to Bethesda Presbyterian Church, 502 Dekalb Street, Camden, SC 29020 or to Hospice and Community Care, PO Box 993, Rock Hill, SC 29731 or to the charity of one’s choice.