Douglas Colon Cotton

Douglas Colon Cotton July 23, 1945 to August 16, 2026 On July 23, 1945, Howard and Sadie Cotton of Panama City, Florida, welcomed Douglas Colon Cotton into the world. 

Doug was active in sports and the church throughout his school years. He felt a call to the ministry while attending Oxford High School of Oxford, Alabama. He attended Southeastern Bible College, where he sang with the school’s traveling Gospel quartet. It was while attending Southeastern that he met and married Glenda. Three years later, while serving as a youth minister in Gastonia, NC, daughter Caren was born. 

Doug, meanwhile, continued his education at Erskine College. He received his Bachelor of Arts in May 1975 from Erskine College. He received his Masters in Divinity from Erskine Seminary in May 1978. Following graduation from seminary, Doug was offered a position with the American Bible Society in Manhattan, NY. Doug, Glenda and Caren moved to Rockaway, NJ. He served as Project Manager for the ABS Lake Placid Olympics. Doug pastored a church in the community and developed life long friendships. Doug’s hobbies included fishing, hunting, every single sport known to man, and photography. He pursued further education regarding photography by attending the New York Institute of Photography and honed his skills taking millions of pictures of his family. He served the families of the Lowcountry and Northwood as one of the pastors on staff, a much loved marriage and family counselor, and photographer for the school. He fully retired from the ministry and photography within the past few years and was proud of his 44 years in the service of others. 

Doug lived for Glenda, Caren, his grand and great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Uncle Doug served his nieces and nephews with lots of love, silly games, wisdom for each stage of life they were in. He became an honorary father and grandfather figure to not only our extended family but also to friends. 

Doug left this Earth for his Heavenly home on Sunday morning, August 16, 2026. He is preceded in death by his father Howard Cotton, mother Sadie Cotton, brother Bill Cotton and son in law Jim Tanguay. We are certain the reunion and celebration taking place in Heaven is joyous and involves large mouth bass, deer and Roll Tide. Doug is survived by his wife of 57 and a half years, Glenda, daughter Caren Cotton Jeffcoat, son in law Terry Jeffcoat, grandchildren Haley Tanguay, Christian Wickliffe (Bella Wickliffe), Michael Benjamin, Miranda Nation (Brad Nation), Trey Jeffcoat, Rowan Jeffcoat and Willow Jeffcoat. Surviving great grandchildren are Dante Zbinden (Papa’s little buddy), Akira Wickliffe and Morticia (Tishy) Wickliffe, Aria Nation and Baby Boy Nation (coming September 2026). 

A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday morning, August 22,2026 at 11:00 at Northwood Church at Carnes Crossing. Visitation will begin at 10:00. All who love and cherish Doug are welcome.