George Kenneth Cottrell, 80, of 217 E. Spruce Street, Covington, Virginia died Saturday September 10, 2016 at his residence.

He was born July 10, 1936 in Chase City, Virginia, a son of the late Thomas R. and Carrie Lipscomb Cottrell.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Cottrell was preceded by a son, John Kenneth Cottrell; one brother, Thomas E. Cottrell and two sisters, Hazel Pugh and Ruth Ellis.

George retired from the United States Postal Service in 2003 with 13 years of service and was service manager for the former Snead Buck Company in Covington.

He began his military career in the United States Air Force in 1953. After his training in STRAC (Teletype/Cryto) Specialist he handled all military codes. After four years in the Air Force he was a civilian for one and half years until he joined the United States Army. After basic training he volunteered to join the Special Forces and went into the 82nd Airborne Division. He retired as Master SGT in 1977 after serving in France, Vietnam, and South Korea.

He was a member and a Deacon of Temple Baptist Church. He was a devoted and loving family man. He was life member of the Curtis A. Smith Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1033, where he was a past Post Commander and also had served as a District Commander.

He was a member of the Covington High School Quarterback Club for a number of years.

Surviving are his wife of 36 years, Patricia Knick Cottrell of Covington; one son and daughter-in-law, Travis and Sarah Cottrell of Appomattox; two daughters and a son-in-law, Elizabeth "Yipi" and Marty Ridout of Hampton and Rhonda Petitjean of Evansville, IN; a daughter-in-law, Cindy Cottrell Peck of Raleigh, NC; eight grandchildren, Allyson Cottrell; Rebecca Cottrell; Madeline Ridout; Edward Ridout; Mariam Ridout; Miranda P. Mullins; Roxanne Petitjean, and Ryan Petitjean and one great grandson Tyler Mullins.

The funeral service will be held Wednesday September 14, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in the Temple Baptist Church with the Rev. William Hartsfield officiating.

The interment will follow in Alleghany Memorial Park with military honors presented by the Curtis A. Smith Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1033.

Active pallbearers will be Warnel Knick, Jonathan Knick, Jeffrey Knick, Jason Woodson, Larry Deacon, Thurman "Curly" Smith, Ray Thacker and Charlie Barton. Alternates will be Walter Knick and Bill Woodson.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening September 13, 2016 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Arritt Funeral Home, Covington, Virginia.