Obituary of
Cottingham, Billy
Billy Jack Cottingham, of Dallas, Texas, age 82, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 with family by his side.
Billy was born in La Feria, Texas on May 14, 1938 to James Pipkin Cottingham and Birdie Kelly Cottingham. He attended McAllen High School and graduated from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. Billy was a member of the U.S. Army National Reserve.
He married the love of his life, Annie Pollok on February 9, 1963 in San Antonio, Texas. They were happily married for 57 years, with Billy often joking that “Anne deserves a medal of honor for putting up with me.”
Billy taught grade school while putting himself through college. He moved his young family to Dallas in 1967 to continue an insurance career that ultimately evolved into owning an independent insurance agency. Cottingham, Smith & Associates thrived for over 25 years with his long-time business partner and best friend, Jack Smith. Later in life, Billy worked in the mortgage industry and for FEMA, which combined his love of helping people while using his Spanish language fluency.
Billy loved playing golf at Brookhaven Country Club, where he was a member for many years. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and sharing the great outdoors with the younger generation. His many other interests included singing, reading, writing two books and being a student of World War II history, as well as having many guests for cookouts (which usually included his famous smoked brisket and homemade BBQ sauce). He was genuinely interested in the wellbeing of others, calling and visiting on a regular basis. Being with his grandchildren and supporting their school and athletic activities gave Billy his greatest joy. He was always the first one in the stands and never missed a game.
Billy is survived by his wife, Annie, son John Cottingham and wife Melodie, daughter Elizabeth Schneider and husband Scott, and his beloved grandchildren, Margot and Bowen (Bo) Schneider. He is also survived by sisters, Bee Bee Palmer and Georgia Needham and her husband Robert, as well as extended family including many brothers and sisters in-law, cousins, nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Betty Jean Miller, and brother, TR Cottingham.
A funeral mass will be held at 1:00pm on November 23, 2020 at St. Rita Catholic Church, 12521 Inwood Road, Dallas, TX 75244. Masks mandatory and social distancing seating will be required. The service will be available via live stream https://youtu.be/PgX5kK2KYKY for those unable to attend. A private family interment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas or Ursuline Academy of Dallas, TX in honor of Billy.
Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website.
Tribute Wall of Cottingham, Billy
A man who was larger than life when growing up and became a dear friend as the years passed. He will be missed by many. Eternal rest grant to him O Lord and a perpetual shine upon him. May he and the souls of the faithfully departed Rest In Peace.
Patrick Schurr
Thursday October 13, 2022
A man who was larger than life when growing up and became a dear friend as the years passed. He will be missed by many. Eternal rest grant to him O Lord and a perpetual shine upon him. May he and the souls of the faithfully departed Rest In Peace.
Sending our sincere condolences and prayers to Mrs. Annie ,family and friends! May He Rest In Peace
Jeanne Henry
Thursday October 13, 2022
Sending our sincere condolences and prayers to Mrs. Annie ,family and friends! May He Rest In Peace
uncle billy you will be missed rachel
rachel b porter
Thursday October 13, 2022
uncle billy you will be missed rachel
rest in peace uncle billy rex
stephen rex needham
Thursday October 13, 2022
rest in peace uncle billy rex
REST IN PEACE uncle Billy, you were a joy to be around and the family stories as they were told, are reflective and inspirational.
Robert Needham Jr.
Thursday October 13, 2022
REST IN PEACE uncle Billy, you were a joy to be around and the family stories as they were told, are reflective and inspirational.
One of my favorite dads. Made my feel like part of his family. He had a lot of love for so many. Set a great example of what a dad should be. He was a dad to many. Mr. Cottingham you will be missed. Rest in my my dear friend.
Greg Jordan
Thursday October 13, 2022
One of my favorite dads. Made my feel like part of his family. He had a lot of love for so many. Set a great example of what a dad should be. He was a dad to many. Mr. Cottingham you will be missed. Rest in my my dear friend.
RIP Uncle! Glad I made the Cottingham eating team at Thunderbird bar and grill! Thanks for the memories and love shared.
Bradley Key
Thursday October 13, 2022
RIP Uncle! Glad I made the Cottingham eating team at Thunderbird bar and grill! Thanks for the memories and love shared.
So many mems since childhood…esp since I came back to Dallas & we spend more time these years (I’m so grateful)
BBQ, his book, researching stocks, FOOTBALL
I will miss most the words he used to whisper to me….
“I BELIEVE IN YOU”
Even now, I can hear him
Janus Palmer Alberts
Thursday October 13, 2022
So many mems since childhood...esp since I came back to Dallas & we spend more time these years (I'm so grateful)
BBQ, his book, researching stocks, FOOTBALL
I will miss most the words he used to whisper to me....
"I BELIEVE IN YOU"
Even now, I can hear him
Always challenging my intelligence, badgering me when i had a date and he was 12 years old.
Billy was a very intelligent man. We often spoke Spanish to one another and we laughed a lot.
What else can i say? He was my brother.
Con Carino
bee bee palmer
Thursday October 13, 2022
Always challenging my intelligence, badgering me when i had a date and he was 12 years old.
Billy was a very intelligent man. We often spoke Spanish to one another and we laughed a lot.
What else can i say? He was my brother.
Con Carino
R I P UNCLE Billy Jack you were as genuine of a man as they come. You were full of life, funny and a joy to be around. Enjoy heaven you will be missed.
James Cottingham
Thursday October 13, 2022
R I P UNCLE Billy Jack you were as genuine of a man as they come. You were full of life, funny and a joy to be around. Enjoy heaven you will be missed.
Vaya con dios Billy! We all love you and miss you. Will be expecting some new and interesting stories when we meet again.
Tricia
Thursday October 13, 2022
Vaya con dios Billy! We all love you and miss you. Will be expecting some new and interesting stories when we meet again.
he is singing in the heavenly choir
georgia cottingham needham
Thursday October 13, 2022
he is singing in the heavenly choir