Raymond LeRoy Cottrell

Raymond (Ray) LeRoy Cottrell, died at his home Tuesday, September 27, 2016, after a 6-month battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his wife, Dorcas Cottrell and stepson, Robert Bailey. Ray was 73 years old. Ray was born in Marion, Ohio, February 21, 1943. He grew up in Marion, Ohio, and graduated from Harding High School in May 1961. Ray served four years in the United States Air Force from August 1961 to August 1965 at Walker Air Force Base in Roswell, NM, and received an Honorable Discharge. Upon leaving the military, Ray worked at the Roswell Test Facility, Office of Water Research and Technology until its closing. Ray then worked for Steere Tank Lines out of Artesia, NM, later named, Coastal Transport, until 2006. Ray thoroughly enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting, bull riding (in his younger days) and his favorite reading material was Louis L’Amour. Ray was a very giving and honest man, and enjoyed his family and friends. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Russell Cottrell and Ruth Elizabeth (Smith) Cottrell and a daughter, Samantha Cottrell. Ray is survived by his wife, Dorcas of the home; a daughter, Audrey Cottrell; and granddaughter Brie Cottrell, both of Roswell. A sister, Donna Harrah (Chester) of Marion, Ohio; and a niece, Kellie Wheeler (Shawn); and two nephews Joel Harrah (Robin) and Jason Harrah (Shelley) and their families of Marion, Ohio. Stepson, Robert Bailey of Roswell; stepson, David Bailey (Denise) of Lubbock, TX; grandchildren Kandice Bailey of Lubbock, TX, Bruce Bailey, USMC, Camp Pendleton, CA, Ethan Dean Bailey of Roswell and two great-grandsons, Asher Bailey and Bryce Bailey of Lubbock, TX. Cremation is under the direction of Anderson Bethany Funeral Home and Crematory. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, September 30, 2016, at Christ’s Church, 2200 N. Sycamore Ave., Roswell, NM. with Pastors Gerry Chavez and Lonnie Owens. A graveside service will be held at a later date at the Roswell General Douglas L. McBride Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery. The family wishes to thank the Kymera Cancer Center of Roswell, Frontier Home Health and Gentiva Hospice of Roswell and all their employees for their exemplary care and compassion they gave to Ray and Dorcas. Obituary was lovingly written by the Cottrell family.

Raymond LeRoy Cottrell

February 21, 1943 - September 27, 2016