Jimmie L. Cotton, Sr., 1940-2023

Jimmie L. Cotton, Sr. age 83, passed away Monday, December 25, 2023 at his home in Fort Meade, Florida.

He was born February 17, 1940 in Bowling Green, FL to Benny & Bertha Cotton. Jimmie retired from CSX Railroad. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Fort Meade.

Jimmie was a Mentor and a Legend in the world of Mountain Biking, he was the Ambassador of the Ridge Riders Mountain Bike Association. Jimmie "Cott," with the help of friends, built and maintained over 10 miles of private trails close to his home. Although he was a regular on all the local trails, his private trails became famous, maybe infamous, and were the most dear to him. These trails, and his ability to ride them, were a key part in creating "The Legend."

No matter where you were riding in the Southeast, it was almost assured that someone at the trailhead had heard of Jimmie Cotton and/or his trails, and everyone whom had the privilege of being invited to ride these trails were always left a little humbled by the 70 year old man that "Taught them a lesson" and heard at least once that "He was getting older by the minute" or that you were "Burning daylight" which really meant...stop resting and start riding. His only rule was that someone other than himself had to be "Spider-Man".

The hospitality did not stop at the end of the trail. Jimmie and his wife Susan, treated riders like family, usually with cold watermelon and pizza on the back porch of their home. Jimmie's trails are still active and will endure, but the rides will never be the same.

Although he will not physically be there, his spirit will be, and if we listen closely, we will probably hear a word of encouragement, a Jimmieism, a little chuckle after a crash, and a prayer. The Legend will be with us!!

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Elizabeth Dunham and brother Joe Cotton. Jimmie is survived by his wife Susan Cotton of Fort Meade, two daughters Leslie Belcher & husband Vaughn of Fort Meade and Mindy Miller of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, two sons Jon Cotton & wife Brook of Daphne, AL and Jimmie L. Cotton, Jr. & wife Debbie of Foley, AL, brother Wendall Cotton & wife Arica of Nashville, TN, grandchildren Autumn Tarsney, Jimmie Cotton III, Summer Miller Shaw, Brooke Miller, Paige White, Lukas Belcher, Benjamin Cotton, Della Cotton and six great grandchildren.

Family will receive friends Friday, December 29, 2023 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at First Baptist Church of Fort Meade. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 am Friday, December 29, 2023, at First Baptist Church of Fort Meade. Condolences to family at http://www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com