Erskin Monroe Cottrell Jr., 70, of 1503 Mountain View Drive, Covington, Virginia, died Saturday, January 8, 2011 at the Springs Nursing Center in Bath County.

He was born September 9, 1940 in Covington, a son of the late Erskine Cottrell Sr. and Willy Walton.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by Jud and Mable Cottrell who raised him in their home.

Mr. Cottrell served in the Virginia National Guard. He was an employee of the former Hercules, Inc. Forester Plant and had retired from AET after 28 years of service with the two companies. Following his retirement, he was employed as a security guard at Alleghany Regional Hospital.

He was a member of the Virginia Mountain Amateur Radio Club. He was also very active in the Boy Scouts and was a former member of the Covington Fire Department and Rescue Squad. For a number of years he had enjoyed participating in area Civil War re-enactments.

Surviving are his wife, Janice Cottrell of Covington; his son, Troy Cottrell and wife, Paula of Low Moor, his step-son Steven Dixon and wife, Terry of North Carolina, his step-daughter, Angie Tyree of North Carolina; an adopted son, Timothy Cottrell of Clifton Forge; his uncle, Bertrand Cottrell of Woodbridge; 13 grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held Saturday January 15, 2011, at 1:00 p.m. in the Oak Hill Bible Church at 1601 Chestnut St., Clifton Forge with the Rev. Roger Bush officiating assisted by the Rev Virgil Woody

. In keeping with his wishes, his body has been cremated.

Following the service there will be a light lunch served at the church.

The family suggests that memorial donations in Mr. Cottrell's name be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Central and Western Virginia Chapter, 2728 Colonial Ave Suite 2, Roanoke, VA 24015.

Arrangements are being handled by the Arritt Funeral Home, Covington, Virginia.