Ronald Max (Ronnie) Cotten

Ronald Cotten, age 71, of Sanford, passed away Sunday, April 9, 2023, at UNC Hospice House in Pittsboro.

He was born in Lee County on March 5, 1952, to the late Robert Max Cotten and Anna Bearl Batchelor.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Dianne Cotten Scarbrough and ex-wife and special friend, Elisabeth Ponsell.  Ronnie retired from Honeywell, Inc. where he worked for more than 40 years.  He was an avid Duke fan and enjoyed a good game of golf. Ronnie was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and was proud of the fact that he was sober for the past 37 years.  Throughout his journey, he sponsored and helped countless people re-gain their lives. 

Ronnie is survived by his children, Donna Kaye Cotten, Ron Cotten, Jr and wife, Jodi and Heath Cotten and wife, Miranda, all of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Dana Ponsell of Sanford; step-mother, Naomi Cotten of Sanford; sister, Rebecca Ree Cotten Yarnell and husband, Steve of Sanford; step-sisters, Cindy Godfrey and husband, Tom of Sanford and Kathy Hare and husband, Billy of Goldston; ex-wife and special friend, Sandra Sprouse Diaz of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; grandchildren, Josh Smith, Aaron Smith, Matthew Smith, Justine Cotten, Taylor Cotten, Hayden Cotten and Kellen Cotten; seven great-grandchildren; one niece; two nephews and one very special friend and neighbor, Johnny Arnette and wife, Wendy of Sanford.  He is also survived by his dog, Zoey, and cat, Miko – his best buddies.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 13, 2023, from 11:00 AM until 12:50 PM at Bridges-Cameron Funeral Home.  A funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM in the chapel with Rev. Larry Murchison officiating.  Burial will be in Buffalo Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bridges-Cameron Funeral Home to help cover expenses for the funeral.

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