Walter "Ray" Cotton

Walter “Ray” Cotton, 78 years old, beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Brother, was called to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 25, 2023. He entered this world on December 28, 1944, born to Roger and Hattie Cotton, in Baton Rouge, LA.

Ray is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Linda Kennedy Cotton; his children, Selena Gilcrease, Chuck Parker (Tammie), and Rebecca Simoneaux (Todd); grandchildren, Omar Odeh, Trent Parker, Chelsea Thompson Evetts (Michael), Jordan Lyons, and Madison Gilcrease; great-grandchildren, Lily, Kaleb, Kolby, Maci, Kory, and Alexander.

He is reunited in heaven with his parents, Hunter and Hattie, his brother, Roger Cotton, as well as his favorite companion, Turbo.

Ray honorably served his country in the United States Air Force from 1962 – 1966, was stationed in Barksdale, LA and served in Viet Nam. He was an engineer for BellSouth for 43 years and served as the President of the Telephone Pioneers of America, Louisiana Chapter 24, for two terms. As a member of the Pioneers, he was honored to work closely with the Special Olympics children. Ray was also a member of Miracle Place Church, Baker, LA.

He loved and served his family emphatically, was an LSU and Saints fan, loved woodworking and gardening, fishing, playing cards, and was a talented artist and photographer.

Serving as pallbearers will be Omar Odeh, Trent Parker, Jordan Lyons, Tony Cotton, Michael Evetts, Mickey Campagna; honorary pallbearers are Mickey Fresina, and Mike Campagna.

Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for the visitation at Baker Funeral Home, 6401 Groom Road on Monday, October 30, 2023, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. The visitation will continue at Miracle Place Church, 2080 Main Street, Baker LA, on Tuesday October 31, 2023, from 11:30 AM until the Funeral Service at 12:30 PM, officiated by Pastor Ricky Sinclair. The graveside service with military honors and burial will follow at Louisiana National Cemetery, in Zachary, Louisiana. A reception will be held after the burial at the Simoneaux home, 921 Woodstone Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808.

Special thanks to Bridgeway Healthcare & Hospice of Baton Rouge and Heritage Manor Nursing Home. Much appreciation to our wonderful sitter provided by Dawn Drago, Tye Pines; that spent many hours holding his hand and caring for him as if he were her own.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note for the family at www.bakerfuneralhomeonline.com