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Williamsburg Funeral Home
Williamsburg Funeral Home
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W.C. Cottingham
10/29/1932 – 07/25/2016
Kingstree
Funeral Services
A memorial service will be held at 2 PM Friday, July 29, 2016, in Williamsburg Presbyterian Church.
Visitation
Dr. Cottingham’s family will receive friends following the service in Grace Hall.
Memorials
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, 411 N. Academy Street, Kingstree, SC 29556, Williamsburg Regional Hospital Foundation, PO Drawer 568, Kingstree, SC 29556, or Tidelands Community Hospice, 2591 N. Fraser Street, Georgetown, SC 29440.
Dr. Walter Carlisle Cottingham, 83, husband of Mary Elizabeth DuBose “Beth” Cottingham, passed away peacefully Monday, July 25, 2016, in Tidelands Hospice House in Georgetown, SC.
Dr. Cottingham was born October 29, 1932, in Trio, SC, a son of the late Mitchell C. Cottingham and Mary Cole Cottingham Boyd. He was a 1954 graduate of Clemson University, where he was a member of the Pershing Rifles, the Tiger Brotherhood and the Senior Drill Platoon. After graduation from Clemson, Walter served our country for 2 years in the Army Quartermaster Corps. In August of 1958, he married the love of his life Beth, and they moved to Athens, GA, home of the University of Georgia, where Walter received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1961. That same year they moved to Kingstree and established the Cottingham Veterinary Hospital.
Walter was an active member of Williamsburg Presbyterian Church and had served as a deacon there. He was a member of the SC Association of Veterinarians, and, in 1984, he began a three year term on the Advisory Board for Foreign Animals and Poultry, reporting to The Secretary of Agriculture in Washington D.C. That same year he was recognized as Veterinarian of the Year by SCAV, and in 1986, served as president of SCAV. He was named Distinguised Veterinarian of the Year in 2010 by the SC Association of Veterinarians.
Dr. Cottingham was a former director of The Exchange Bank of Kingstree and was on the Board of Directors for First Citizens Bank. He was an IPTAY member, and for many years was the Williamsburg County Representative of that organization. He was a Life Member of the Clemson Alumni Association and a former member of the State Board of Veterinary Examiners. In 2013, Dr. Cottingham was the recipient of The Lifetime Achievement Award from The Williamsburg Hometown Chamber, and in June of 2016, he was the guest of honor at Williamsburg Regional Hospital Foundation’s first “Williamsburg County Dancing with the Stars”
Because of their belief that education is key to success, he and his wife Beth have established scholarships at Coker College, Williamsburg Technical College, Clemson University, and the University of Georgia Veterinary School.
Surviving Dr. Cottingham, in addition to his wife Beth, are: sisters, Margaret (Fritz) Smith, of Kingstree and Marilyn (Tom) Summers, of Columbia; brothers, Mitchell Cottingham, of Manning and Elton Cottingham, of Sumter; 16 nieces and nephews, including special nephews, Brian (Mary) Smith, of Georgetown and Preston Smith, of New York, NY. In addition to his parents, Walter was preceded in death by: brothers, J.D., Wallace, and Sam Cottingham; sisters, Juanita Gordon and Doris McCants; and two nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2 PM Friday, July 29, 2016, in Williamsburg Presbyterian Church. Dr. Cottingham’s family will receive friends following the service in Grace Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, 411 N. Academy Street, Kingstree, SC 29556, Williamsburg Regional Hospital Foundation, PO Drawer 568, Kingstree, SC 29556, or Tidelands Community Hospice, 2591 N. Fraser Street, Georgetown, SC 29440. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com.
Williamsburg Funeral Home
Williamsburg Presbyterian Church
Graveside funeral services will be 11 AM Tuesday, May 27, 2014, in Kingstree Memorial Gardens
My sincere condolences go out to Ms C and the rest of the family. Dr Cottingham meant so much to so many people and the world will not be the same without him. May he rest in peace and know that he was sincerely loved here on earth. May the dear Lord wrap his arms around Ms Cottingham and care for her during the next few weeks. My prayers are with you.
Today I learned that one of the most special people I have ever known left this earth. Dr. Cottingham epitomized grace, dignity, and compassion in his dealings with all the animals he treated and all the humans he knew. His death has torn a hole in the fabrics of the lives he has touched. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially his wife Beth, today and always.
Dr. Cottingham was a great man. He was my vet for many yrs when I lived in Kingstree. He had a heart of gold for the animals he treated. He saved my chihuahua Fancy she was only 5 months old everybody told me that I needed to put her to sleep. But I couldn’t. So U carried her to him that day and his words were so loving. He said Linda I can save her leave her with me. So I did went by there everyday just to feed her beef sticks bc he said she wouldn’t eat. She lived to be 12 yrs old thanks to a very loving caring man. He will be missed by many, but has left alot of great memories. My heart goes out to the family. May God be with all of u during this time. R.I.P. TO A GREAT DOCTOR AND FRIEND.
Ms. Beth, I’m so sorry to hear of Dr. Nottingham’s death. When we lived in Kingstree, he always was so kind to our dogs, and to us. My mom loved our dog almost as much as me and she trusted no one but Dr. C with him. He was a kind and sweet man. May your memories comfort you.
Doc was a wonderful man who cared so much for the animals he cared for. He always made me feel special when he saw me. So full of life and always smiling. He will be missed terribly.
Beth, so sad to learn about Walter. Betsy (Gordon) told me on the phone today. He has been such a significant
part of the Kingstree community, as have you. Sending deepest sympathy to you and the family.
With love,
Ruth Gordon Steffen
Our thought&prayers are with you all! Dr.C was a great man who will be greatly miss! RIP Dr.C
Thank youDr. Cottingham for the love you showed to our pets and for the kindness you showed everyone you met. Among many other virtues, you epitomized the ideal of beings Clemson Man.
Mrs. Beth & Family,
So sorry to hear of Dr. Cottingham’s passing. He was much more than a veterinarian, he was a friend. Every time we needed him, he was there. He always told me that you do everything you can for someone and they’ll not forget it. He was compassionate and humane in the way he treated his patients and their families. We’ll always remember him. Thank you for all you did.
Lin, Katie, Mackenzie, Mason & Madison Ham (Leona’s grandchildren)
Praying for family.
So sad many fond memories of Walter
Mrs. Beth, Dr Cottingham was a very close friend of the Burgess Family. I remember when you would come to Camp Harmony. He was a dedicated Christian and loved to serve and help others. He was also a well-known veterinarian which is how I kept in contact with you guys. Our thoughts and prayers with during this time. Love always, Mary Burgess Horne and family
Beth, I am so sorry to read about Walter’s passing! My thoughts and prayers will be with you and rest of the family. My heart hurts over the loss of him. I so wish I could have come back to Kingstree to see you guys just one more time. May God comfort you and give you strength. Love , Jerry
Dear Beth.
Was so sorry to hear about Dr. He was a joyful person to be around he was always a good friend to me love him for that , there was no two people like you and him in our town , you and him love life to the fullest , praying for you and family members need anything please call me love your
I so loved Dr. Cottingham since I was a little girl back in the 60`s. He was our veterinarian for many years. He was such a gentle living man and will be greatly missed. Prayers for Mrs. Beth and the family
He was a fine gentleman that always thought of others. The world’s loss! Thinking of you Beth!!
I am so sad to hear of Dr. Cottingham’s passing. He was and forever will be the best Veterinarian I have ever met. He was there when you needed him day or middle of the night. His animals were important as well as their owners. He was there to share a kleenex, hug or a tear if that is what you needed. He may be gone to Heaven but you will never be forgotten here on earth. God Bless, prayers and peace for his family and friends.
What a man. What a wife. What a couple. What a life. What a difference. What a loss for us but what a gain for heaven.
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Love and Prayers , Sandy Browm James
Sorry For Your Loss
I’m so sorry to hear of Uncle Wakter’s death.
He was a true Southern Gentleman. Also so kind to me and my family.
Praying for God’s comfort and strength for each of you. God bless~
My sincerest condolences to Dr. Cottingham’s family, especially Mrs. Cottingham, and friends. He was indeed a man of honor and a genuinely nice man who loved everyone! I saw them recently at a luncheon celebrating Beth’s birthday and they were both so friendly and eagerly shared their beautiful personalities.
To all of Walter’s family, we share your sorrow and remember him with warm affection and esteem.
Eric and I are so sorry. I worked for him a short time before marrying. He was a great man. May the Lord give you peace during the days ahead.
Dear Beth, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Doc has always been such a sweet man and always had that smile and enjoying talking with him. He would come in the store and he and Ed Mishoe my Dad would talk about the old days down in Trio,Earls area.
Beth, you and Doc have always been such a special couple and loved by so many. God be with you now and in the days ahead.
Beth,
I am saddened by the loss of Walter and know that Kingstree, Clemson and the veterinary industry in South Carolina will miss this great man.
He was, to me, an unselfish man who loved people, God’s gift of animals and always had a smile on his face.
You can take peace in knowing Walter is dancing with the angels in heaven and knowing Walter is “shagging” with my angel, Nancy Jane.
God Bless You and you know His love and comfort in times such as these.
Dear Mrs. Cottingham,
Back in 1975-76, while competing in Miss Teen Pageants, in Lake City, your husband supported me all the way. I was going to be veterinarian, because of my love for animals. I have never forgotten him for doing that. I still have the letters he wrote to me. He was a very kind man. I am so sorry for your loss. May his memory be eternal. Thinking of you and praying for your family. May God bless you all!
Love,
Sabrina Chavis
Dr. Cottingham was a kind and gentle man. He took care of our Sam all his life. The community has truly lost a guardian but gained an angel.
Dr. Cottingham, with a heavy heart, i say goodbye to you. THANK YOU, for allowing me to be “One of your sons”. You have given me advice, love and laughter, and you will be truly missed. You treated me, as a “son”. Thank you. REST IN PEACE.
Love you always,
Dr. Cottingham, a distant relative, will be sorely missed by his family and friends. God bless the family as we celebrate his home going.
Beth and family…..so many smiles cross my face with memories of Mr. Walter. I loved seeing you,two after church when I visited. I celebrate today a beautiful man with such a large heart for people and animals. I know he is loving being with our Lord Jesus now. We will miss him .
Warmly, Mary Susan (Haigler) Kirchner
God bless the family members as they celebrate the life of a very good man.
May he rest in peace.
Walter held a special place in many hearts. My most fond memories of Walter were my summer visits to Kingstree where I’d spend days with Walter at his office. That darn monkey he had as a pet would be jumping from the rafters enjoying peanuts I’d throw up to him. Visits to Kingstree were never without time spent with Walter and Beth enjoying their company.
Walter and Beth were ever present for many of our family’s milestones and enjoyed annual excursions to Montreat each August with mom and dad.
We will miss Walter, his grace and exuberance for life. I will keep with me the memories of his infectious smile, stories, compassion for humanity but most of all his open arms with hugs and kisses each time I saw him. I will truly miss Walter and can see his ever present smile as he gazes down from Heaven.
We send our sincere sympathies to Beth and to all the rest of Walter’s family.
I am sorry for your loss, Mrs. Beth Cottingham.
Dear Mrs. Cottingham,
I was very sorry to hear of your loss of Dr. Cottingham.
I really appreciated his coming to my mother’s funeral ( Ruth Boatwright)
I loved being one of your students and Dr. Cottingham was always so kind to me!
I wish that I could be there, but am on-call for the hospital this weekend.
Warm regards,
Martha (Boatwright) Boone in Atlanta
Don and I are greatly saddened by the death of Walter. He was a generous, loving, caring, joyful person and a fabulous dancer. We keep his precious memories close to our hearts now and always.
Dr. Walter Cottingham was an extraordinary veterinarian and a devoted alumnus of the College of Veterinary Medicine. I am honored to have enjoyed his company and his enthusiasm for our wonderful profession over the years. We will miss seeing him at our alumni events, and his cordial greeting for all of us at South Carolina Association events. Dr. Cottingham was a true gentleman whom we will miss dearly.
What will Kingstree do without Walter?! Love to Beth.
Dear Beth,
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Cottingham’s passing. He was our family veterinarian for many years, until I moved to the upstate. I was able to reconnect with him at Clemson, when he attended Clemson’s annual reunions in June.
He was such a precious and caring man, always laughing, and always smiling. He will be missed.
We are praying for you and your family.
There have been many special people in my life and Walter has been one. I have always valued his opinion highly. He is going to be missed by all and especially by my wife because she loves to dance and I don’t. She has danced with Walter more than me in last years. . I understand there’s great beach music in Heaven. Enjoy! We love and going to miss you.
So sad to hear of Dr. Cottingham’s passing – fond childhood memories. May the peace of The Lord be with the family.
Dr. Cottingham was a colleague of my father, Kenneth L. Huggins, DVM, and was much loved by the entire Huggins family. We extend our sincere condolences to Ms. Beth and his family. Goodbye to a great friend, veterinarian, and Tiger Brother. Dr. C, this is for you….GO TIGERS!!
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Miss Beth, and your family. Dr. Cottingham was a special person who always had a smile on his face and a word of encouragement for me. What a lucky woman you are to have had him in your life.
My deepest sympathy to Beth and all family. Walter was a wonderful friend for a long time.
With sincere sympathy. Dr Cottingham will be missed by so many in Kingstree and beyond.
Ruth and my condolences to a former classmate
Dear Cottingham Family
Walter and I were classmates at Clemson A&M college 1950-1954.
I knew him well. I am very sorry to hear of his passing. Our
paths, after graduation did not cross again BUT that does not mean that
I did not think of him. He was a good friend and an exemplary Cadet.
Please be proud that he was your husband and/or father.
Alan Cannon
Anderson, S.C.
It’s so sad to say farewell to Dr. Cottingham. In the past, he saved two of my dogs lives that were super important to me.
He was truly an outstanding VET. No one will ever be able to take his place in the fabric of the community of Kingstree. He will be gone, but certainly not forgotten.
Farewell Dr. Cottingham, I hope to see you again one day when we all get to heaven!
Beth, I remember the last time we saw you both, at class reunion. I know you will miss Walter as I miss Jim. We have so many beautiful memories. Saying prayers
I met Walter the summer of 1984 when I served as Summer Youth Worker at the First Baptist Church. Over the years it has always been a treat to visit Walter and Beth and enjoy Brown’s Barbeque. He would refer to me as “my Baptist preacher who is like a son to me and he enjoys a glass of wine and won’t lie about it like most Baptists.” When we talked he would often mention getting to Louisville to take in the Kentucky Derby. I wish that had happened. Beth know of my love and prayers. May light perpetual shine upon Walter.
Great friend,Veterinarian,American He was loved and respected by all!
Dr Walter Cottingham was a great mentor and role model for all young veterinarians coming to south Carolina, especially for me. His lovely wife Beth was always by his side and together they were a great inspiration to all who knew them. He loved Beth,veterinary medicine and his church. I cannot adequately express my deepest sympathy to Beth and his entire family. The world has lost a great person and I have lost a dear friend
My thoughts and prayers are with the Cottingham family. Dr. Cottingham was always there for me and my pets whether it be day or night, I trusted his knowledge when it come to keeping them healthy and strong. We became friends and I had the privilege of him giving me Clemson tickets back in the 80’s on occasions. They were his seats and sometimes when he could not make a game he would call me and ask if I wanted tickets to Saturday’s game and 100% of the time I said yes. I will always remember peace of mind he provided for me, my family and pets.
Heartfelt condolences to the Cottingham family, both personal and professional. I have fond memories of Dr. C during his service on the South Carolina Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (I was the Board Administrator at the time/90-94). His participation at Board meetings was always upbeat and positive and it was evident that he was completely committed to his profession. I wish you all God’s Peace.
Beth,
I have many wonderful memories of Walter dating back to the ’60’s. My most memorable were his visits down to Litchfield Beach, SC to see Ms. Madge and Mr. Sam. Walter always had a smile on his face and loved to dance with the ladies. His talents in Kingstree as a vet are a testament to his love not only for animals but to his community. He will be truly missed but his enduring legacy as a vet and his contributions to the community will last forever. May God bless you and your extended family during this time of transition.
My thoughts and prayers are with Beth and the family.
Walter was always there to support me when I needed someone. He will be greatly missed by Charles & myself. Our sincere condolences to Beth and his whole family.
Called on Dr. Cottingham for over 30 years as a pharmaceutical rep. It was a pleasure. He made me laugh on many occasions.
Dear Beth,
I would like to express my sincere condolances with Mr. Cottinghams’ passing away.
Everytime I stayed with Grandmama I loved to visit you both.
I expecially remember when I was a little girl,Dr Cottingham let me “help” him in the clinic…he gave me the feeling he counted on my help!
I loved the way he was passionate about his work and had so much knowledge and optimisme,he was surely one of my motivations to start medical school.
I expecialy remember the pigsales,the talks we had during the drives in the car ,Pete…
You will both always have a special place in my hart.
And know there is someone thinking about you in Belgium…
An Vanloocke
Dear Beth, you are in our thoughts and prayers during this period of profound grief and loss but also a period of celebration of a quite wonderful and inspiring life. From my early childhood to the present time, whenever I heard mention of the name Dr. Walter Cottingham it immediately then and now resulted in a feeling of great admiration of a strong and stalwart and wise leader in his community and among his profession. Walter, for decades has been the ultimate role model for younger generations as to how yo live one’s life with courage and dignity and compassion , for animals and people. His memory and example will forever live in our hearts and souls. Very best and heart felt wishes. David and Mynel DuBose, Atlanta , GA
Dearest Beth, Today I read of Walter’s death in The State Newspaper. That he had been in Tidelands Hospice House tells me he must have had to run a long, treacherous race. That he knew and loved our Lord Jesus tells me his race led him home and into the Savior’s arms where he surely awaits the day you will join him. I send you love and my heartfelt sympathy. I will always remember your hospitality when I came to preach at your church. In Christ’ Love, Rev. Mary D. D’Alessio
Dear Miss Beth,
You and all of Doc’s family have been in our prayers since we heard of his passing this week. He was a fine Christian gentleman, a wonderful dancer, and a great veterinarian. I remember him well so many times coming to our farm near Greeleyville to take care of some problem we had with our hogs. You always knew they were in good hands with Doc. We also had dogs on the farm and Doc would take care of them too. I think he probably even tended to our mules we had on the farm back in the 1960s. Always with a smile too! What a great friend we all had in Doc! May the Lord’s blessings and the many, many wonderful memories surround and comfort you. God will keep and sustain you.
Beth, I just heard about Dr. C’s death. He meant so much to Allen and me throughout the years, not only for our precious pets that he so lovingly cared for, but, also for our relationship and getting to know you. Please know that we loved you both and he will never be forgotten!
My sincere condolences to Mrs. Cottingham. I am sorry for your loss.
Perry from Philippines
The best damn veterinarian I ever had the pleasure of meeting. He was a tough cookie, but he cared about those animals. Joc, Socks, Pepper, Max and Foots say “Thanks Doc, we’ll miss you!”… and give Ace and Princess a giant hug for me up there, will ya?
Thank you Dr. ‘C’ for the memories. Will miss you terribly! Love you.
We still miss him- in the Church, in the community and in our livesHe was a great man who showed us all how to live and love. I always valued his wisdom and his sense of humor.