[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 118 (Monday, July 22, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E747]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





              HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF PAUL COTTON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 22, 2024

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
life and service of Paul Cotton.
  Paul Cotton departed this earth at the age of 69, surrounded by his 
loved ones at Methodist Le Bonheur Hospital in Germantown, TN. Born on 
August 21, 1954, in Marks, MS, to the late Prince and Hazel Lee Cotton, 
Paul was one of twelve children raised in Jonestown, MS.
  Paul embraced his faith in Christ early in life, which guided him 
throughout his journey. He graduated from Coahoma Agricultural High 
School and pursued a carpentry trade at Coahoma Junior College in the 
1970s.
  On February 24, 1974, Paul married the love of his life, Madgeline 
Cotton. Their union was blessed with six children: Gwendolyn, Shuwanda, 
Angela, Myrtis, Paul Jr., and Jerel. Paul also had a daughter named 
LaKeesha. At his passing, he was the proud grandfather of 14 
grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
  In 1979, Paul joined the United States Army Reserve, later extending 
his service with a contract until July 30, 1985. He earned honorary 
medals for his M-16 and hand grenade expertise and was honorably 
discharged after approximately five years of dedicated service.
  Paul's vocation was in construction, where he built buildings, homes, 
highways, and roads across the United States for fifty years until his 
retirement. He was affectionately known as the ``Jack of all Trades.'' 
Paul worked for Ingalls Shipyard in the late 1980s in Pascagoula, MS, 
and later for Mississippi Limestone. He also worked as an independent 
contractor and repaired cars in his spare time.
  As the patriarch of his family, Paul was deeply loved by his wife, 
siblings, children, and grandchildren. His humble and kind-spirited 
nature made him one of a kind. To his children, he was a King, 
embodying work ethic, love, and values. Paul's memory will be cherished 
forever in the hearts of his loved ones.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life, 
legacy, and service of Paul Cotton.

                          ____________________