Ray Cotter Jr.

Born: January 1st, 1929

Died: July 21st, 2022

Obituary

 

Ray Cotter, Jr.

Ray C Cotter, Jr. was born on Tuesday, January 1, 1929 in Viola, AR. He was the first child of Ray C Cotter, Sr. and Filey Mable Cotter (Shirley). He died Thursday, July 21st, at Kern River Transitional Care in Bakersfield, CA. after several years of declining health. He was 93.



Ray has been a resident of Wasco since the 1930s, with periods of living elsewhere. He was a graduate of Wasco High and a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard having attained the rank of seaman. He married Gracie Ava Lee June 2, 1955. They lived in Kansas for a brief time. In 1956 Ray returned to Wasco with his bride. Ray partnered with his dad to run Cotter Trucking. In the 70s he became a bus mechanic and driver for Wasco Union Elementary School District and Wasco Union High School District. In 1991 Ray and Gracie retired and moved up to Pine Flat. He loved living in the mountains. In 2004 they moved back to Wasco. Ray enjoyed puttering around in the yard tending to his roses, holly-hocks, sun flowers, and orange tree.



He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray C Cotter Sr. and Filey Cotter; his wife, Gracie Ava Cotter; his brother-in-law, Paul Evans; and his son-in-law, John Sanford. Ray is survived by his kids Rose Dulaney and husband Robert; Shirrel Sanford; James Cotter and wife JoAnn; the grands-Jami Helwig and her husband Robert, RJ Dulaney and his wife Jazmynn; and the greats-Hunter Dulaney, Walker Helwig, and Lilleigh Dulaney. He is also survived by his sister Shirley Evans, his two nephews and their wives; several great nephews and great nieces; several great-great nephews and nieces.



The family would like to thank Josie Salazar, Luella Jackson, Dr. Kamin and staff, Around the Clock nurses and therapists, and Kern River Transitional Care staff for helping take care of Ray.



A graveside service for Ray Cotter, Jr. will be held Friday, August 5 at lO:OOam at Wasco Memorial Park. Miguel Salizar will officiate the service. Visitation will be held August 4 from 4-8pm at Peters Funeral Home, Wasco.