Lewis County Herald - Serving Hohenwald, Lewis County Tennessee Since 1898

January 21, 1933 - August 14, 2022

Billy Cothran of Salem Road in Hohenwald, passed away on Sunday evening, August 14, at the age of 89. He was born January 21, 1933 in Hohenwald to the late Jess Cothran & Lila Mae (Boyce) Cothran.

Mr. Cothran was raised in Hohenwald and was a graduate of Lewis County High School, Class of 1952. After graduation, he moved to Detroit, Michigan for a short period to work at a filling station. In 1961, he and his family moved back to Hohenwald, where he worked as a recorder for the City of Hohenwald. He then took a position with the Tennessee Forestry Department, working as a firefighter with the forestry department. He spent 20 years with the department before retiring.

After retirement, he became a full-time, recreational farmer. Mr. Cothran and his late wife, Greta Cothran, planted roots on Salem Road, and have spent the last 50+ years there. They were members of the Salem Church of Christ, where Mr. Cothran led singing for every service. He was a simple man who loved God and his family, loved staying at home and enjoying the simple things in life, like his farm, his cattle, baling hay, and Mrs. Greta's home cooking.

Mr. Cothran is survived by son, Ricky Cothran (Kathy Keeton); daughter, Lydia (Ricky) Spears; grandchildren, Cassandra (Brent) Fronabarger and Tiffany (Brad) Pierce; great-grandchildren, Brady & Landry Fronabarger; and special caregiver, Linda Shirley.

Visitation with the family was on August 17 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at McDonald Funeral Home in Hohenwald. Graveside services followed in the Swiss Cemetery at 3:30 p.m.with Joe Griner officiating.