Dr. William “Bill” Milnes Cottrell

Dr. William “Bill” Milnes Cottrell of Concord, NC passed away peacefully Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at Atrium Tucker Hospice House at the age of 75. He was born to William and Jeanette Cottrell on February 20, 1949 in Oak Ridge, TN. The family had moved there in support of the Manhattan project in which Bill’s father participated as a researcher in nuclear physics. His mother worked as a librarian while also serving as pianist in their local church. Together they instilled a life-long love of reading, nature, music and science.

An interest in science led Bill to pursue degrees in chemistry and, afterwards, medicine at Emory. After a residency in Gainesville, FL he began his medical career in 1978 in Concord, NC at the “Cabarrus County Hospital” (aka Atrium Health). Over the years he has served in various capacities, including president of the Cabarrus County Medical Society, Chairman of the Department of Anesthesia and as a medical examiner for Cabarrus County.

His specialization in anesthesiology spoke much about the man himself, humble and unassuming yet always essential. For Bill, medicine was not just a career but a passion to help people and this was deeply felt by the many patients and colleagues who worked with him. One could also see the barely concealed joy when he discussed the details of his work. (A small dose of this enthusiasm even spilled out into his book - “Confessions of an Anesthesiologist”.)

Outside the hospital, Bill was a lifelong athlete who enjoyed running, weightlifting, swimming and canoeing among other activities. Running became a necessity which lasted until his final days. He also relished long hikes with his wife Rebecca and cold river plunges in the Great Smokey Mountains where he also spent a good deal of time reading and absorbing the fresh mountain air. The connection to the mountains also inspired a love of nature and conservationism, and another book which he authored - “Greenbriar Chronicles”.

Bill was also an avid guitar player, a true “Leader of the Band” who imbued his children with an everlasting love of music. With his first wife, Heidi, he formed a family band performing at many local festivals, weddings, and church functions. For his 75th birthday, he accepted no presents but instead gifted all of his children with his rendition of “Teach Your Children”. This song, as well as the many others he sang will always echo in our hearts.

Bill volunteered at AYA House and was committed to helping others find a path to recovery. On occasion he would bring along his guitar to share his love of music.

Bill’s commonly corny, occasionally embarrassing, but frequently hilarious “dad jokes” will be missed by his wife Rebecca Baird Cottrell, children Corey Cheval and husband Javier of Gainesville, Fl, William “Billy” J. Cottrell and wife Manni of Chicago, IL, and Dustin Cottrell and wife Adrienne of Marietta, GA, and their mother Heidi; step children Harper Boyle and wife Lindsay of Concord, and Amanda B. Heberling of Locust, NC; several grandchildren; brothers Scott Cottrell and wife Peggy of Colorado, and Steve Cottrell and wife Martha of Knoxville, TN; and other extended family members. He was a rare human being in today’s world - one whose intelligence and abilities were cloaked by a veil of kindness, humility and self-effacement. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Memorial service for Bill will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 16, 2024 at All Saints Episcopal Church officiated by Reverend Nancy Cox and Reverand James Bernacki. The family will receive friends following the service in the church Living Room.

In lieu of flowers, family requests that donations be made to the Aya House, 1572 Dale Earnhardt Blvd., Kannapolis NC 28083.