Earl Cottrell, 96, of White Hall passed away Monday, September 7, 2020. He was born September 14, 1923 in Calhoun County to the late W.R. and Lena Mae Sessions Cottrell.

Earl was reared and educated in Carthage. He served as an aviation machinist mate 2nd class in the U.S. Navy during World War II from March 1943 until December 1945. Earl has lived in the White Hall/Pine Bluff area since 1955. He worked as a millwright at Pine Bluff Arsenal for 35 years until his retirement in 1978. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and working in his garden. Earl was a member of the Redfield Masonic Lodge #700, and was also a member of First Baptist Church in White Hall.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, B.D. Cottrell; and sister, Lorene Wages.

Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Joyce Fulmer Cottrell, whom he married July 11, 1949 in Benton; son, William Earl “Billy” Cottrell; daughters, Virginia Lea Corbett and Deborah Ann Wolf; 7 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 2:00 PM, Saturday, September 12, 2020 with Rev. Doug Burris officiating. Burial will be in White Hall United Methodist Cemetery. Visitation will be 1:00-2:00 PM Saturday.

Pallbearers will be Thomas Conner, Nate Conner, Frank Rushing, Brian Slaughter, Kyle Slaughter and Lonnie Hawkins.