Robert Earnest Cothran

b. 22 March 1937, d. 18 April 2010
  • Robert Earnest Cothran was born on 22 March 1937 in Greenwood, Greenwood County, South Carolina.
  • Robert Earnest Cothran died on 18 April 2010 at age 73 in Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina, at Providence Hospital.
  • The following appeared on 21 April 2010 in The State: (Columbia) A memorial service for Robert E. "Petey" Cothran Sr. will be held on Friday, April 23 at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Irmo Chapel, in Columbia, SC. Visitation will be from 1:30- 3 p.m. with the service to follow at 3 p.m. In accordance with his wishes, cremation will follow.
         Born in Greenwood, SC, March 22, 1937, he was the younger son of Clyde C. and Ruby M. Cothran. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Colleen C. Nelson and his brother, Charles C. Cothran.
         He graduated Greenwood High School and attended Clemson University where he became an avid Tiger fan. Having been in the clothing business since he was 13, he was employed by Bill Owings Custom Clothing in Columbia as a private tailor. He is a founding member of St Mary's Episcopal Church.
         He is survived by his wife, Gayle, eldest daughter, Toney Coukart and Dale Horst of Lewisburg, PA, son Robert E. "Rob" Cothran Jr. and his wife, Sheri, of Columbia, and youngest daughter, Jody Thomas and husband, David, along with three beautiful grandchildren, Jackson, Ann Sullivan and Kennedy Thomas, all of Nashville, TN. In addition, he leaves behind many close friends made throughout his life. He will also be greatly missed by his faithful companion, "Precious," a rescued dog from Pets, Inc.
         Blyth Funeral Home of Greenwood, SC, is also assisting with the funeral arrangements.
         In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Pets, Inc. 300 Orchard Lane, West Columbia, SC 29171 so noted on behalf of Robert E. (Petey) Cothran, or the American Heart Association, 520 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201 on his behalf.
         The Cothran family is very grateful to all of the nurses and doctors at Providence Hospital who cared for him during his illness. The family is also grateful for all of the love and support provided by his neighbors and friends.
  • Last Edited: 22 Oct 2012