Funeral service for Retired CSM A.C. Cotton, 86 of Killeen, TX will be held Thursday, September 23, 2021, 1:00 p.m. at Greater Vision Community Church in Killeen, TX. Burial with full military honors will follow the service at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX.

Viewing will be held 2 hours prior to the service (11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.) at the church.

Mr. Cotton passed away September 7, 2021 in Killeen, TX.

A. C. Cotton was born the 5th of 11 children on April 11, 1935 to James and Mozell Cotton.

He professed Christ at an early age and was baptized into the Christian faith at Baptist Grove M. B. in Miner City, Mississippi. He moved to Killeen, Texas in 2005, where he joined Greater Vision Community Church and served as a Deacon. He loved the Lord and studied the Bible daily. He was a loving husband, a devoted father, a man of great faith, a pillar of the community, a mason, and a soldier's soldier.

He joined the Army in 1955. He achieved the rank of Command Sergeant Major, and served more than 33 years. He served honorably in the Vietnam war. He later made history as the first black soldier to occupy the position of Division Sergeant Major, 1st Cavalry Division.

His military schools included the First Sergeant and the Sergeants Major Academy. He received an Associate's Degree in General Management from El Paso Community College. His awards and decorations included the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal.

Deacon Cotton was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Irene Cotton, his daughter Linda Cotton, his parents; James and Mozell Cotton and 7 siblings.

He leaves to cherish his memory 3 loving daughters, Delores Holt, Diann & (Dale) Larry, and Brenda Cotton, 3 siblings, M.C. Cotton, Mozella Applewhite, and Catherine Sykes. He leaves 6 grandchildren, Katarra Holt, Natasha Larry, Kamika & (Jeremy) Grice, Shayla & (Neiman) Johnson, Benny Steele, Billy Joe Jr. & (Callyn) Amos. He leaves 8 great grandchildren, Jasharia Scott, Julius Scott II, Jeremiah Scott, Jordan Dorr, Zabrayden Nobles, Nehemiah Nobles, Zikaylah Nobles, and Gracelyn Amos. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; especially including, Colonel Billy McGowan, and General Paul Funk.