Henry "Carl" Cotton

Henry “Carl” Cotton, age 87, of Freeport, Florida left this earth Monday, April 29, 2019, attempting to do one of his favorite things in life, going fishing on the Choctawhatchee River.  He was born April 11, 1932 in Geneva County, Alabama to Lonnie D. and Epsy Lee Curry Cotton.  One of eight children, he worked on the family farm and the family business, Cotton’s Grocery, developing a natural expertise in produce.  Carl and his late wife Marti moved to Freeport and Santa Rosa Beach in the early 70’s, opening Cotton’s Produce, which was a thriving business for over 40 years.  He always had the freshest produce and his boiled peanuts were “world famous.”  Locals and visitors could not make a trip to the beach without stopping for those delicious peanuts.  He was featured in several magazines, newspapers, and a book on the history of Walton County entitled, Of Days Gone By.

After retirement, Carl enjoyed his lifelong pastime of fishing.  He also enjoyed spending quality time with family and friends, many who are adopted family.  Also, he loved playing cards and good music, especially the kind he could dance to.  He was an Army veteran, serving his country in the Korean War. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Dorman, Dorothy, Peggy, Nathan, Jimmy Ray, Dalton, and Don; his loving wife of 33 years, Martha E. Cotton (always known as Marti); two sons, Roy Gene and John E. Simmons; and son-in-law, Jimmy Douglas.

Carl is survived by his daughters, Joan Douglas of Freeport, Florida and Brenda Nelson (Gary) of DeFuniak Springs, Florida; nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; daughters- in-law, Linda Simmons and Julie Hall; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family; friends; and companion, Ms. Geraldine (Geri) Brink.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 4, 2019 in the chapel of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home, 1474 Highway 83 North, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32433 beginning at 11:00 a.m. with a time of visitation one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.