Joseph Dorman Cottrell Jr.

Lovingly known as Daddy, BooBoo, Brother, or Burr to family and “Joe” to friends, our oh so loved Joseph Dorman Cottrell, Jr. met his Savior and Lord, Jesus, on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 69 years old. We miss him dearly, but we do not grieve without hope; we have assurance that his faith has been made sight!

Born September 11, 1956 in Asheville to the late Annie Mae Church Cottrell and Joseph Dorman Cottrell, Sr., he is survived by his wife of 42 years, Donna Dyer Cottrell; beloved daughters, Monica Cottrell Wilcox (Tyler) and Valerie Cottrell Langdon (Daniel); three grandsons, Levi Langdon, Judson Wilcox and Tate Langdon; five granddaughters, Ayla Wilcox, Dottie Langdon, Blakely Langdon, Annie Wilcox and Caroline Wilcox; one favorite sister, Penny Cottrell Ball (Bob); nieces, nephews, and countless dear friends.

He graduated from AC Reynolds High School and went on to graduate from Appalachian State University with a bachelor’s degree in physical education. He later joined the family business, Cottrell and Co. Jewelers. With his natural artistic ability, creativity, and attention to detail, he was a master craftsman of one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. He was incredibly talented. He was beloved for his warmth and genuine ability to connect with anyone who walked through the door. No matter what a customer brought in, if it was cherished by them, it was cherished by him. In these recent years it had been his pleasure and joy to be a part of the family at Marthaler Jewelers. He enjoyed using his creative talents and abilities, but he loved the relationships he built in his work most of all.

He cherished spending quality time with the people he held dear. He found immense joy riding his horse, Dusty, on mountain trails. He enjoyed living in the mountains where he created lasting memories taking his girls on hiking, camping, biking and fishing adventures. He went on unforgettable expeditions with some of his closest lifelong friends in the backcountry of Canada and beyond. Golfing was another favorite pastime, especially when shared with dear friends and his adored sons-in-law. But above all, it was the time spent with his family- constant laughter and vacations surrounded by his grandchildren- that he treasured most deeply.

He was a natural at making us belly laugh with his stories, quick wit, and slapstick humor! Never admitted to being hungry, but he could eat everything on his plate and yours, too!

No matter what name you knew him by, he was honest and kind, just like his own dad. Above all, he loved His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and he never missed an opportunity to tell others about Him! He also loved being a member of Trinity Baptist Church!

He always reminded us, “A is E” – “Attitude is Everything.” He lived this out authentically in public and private, even throughout his diagnosis with brain cancer, which he handled with much grace as he remained steadfast in faith and confidence that he was loved and cared for by God. And though saying goodbye is one of the hardest things we’ll ever do, we will be of good courage, tell others about Jesus, and look forward to the day that we will be reunited for eternity!

The family would love to express our immense gratitude to family and friends for all of their love and care towards us over these past 9 months. We are so grateful.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Trinity Baptist Church Building Fund.

The family will receive friends on Friday, October 10, 2025 from 10 am to 12 pm with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 12 noon at Trinity Baptist Church, 216 Shelburne Rd. Asheville, NC 28806. Graveside services will follow at Pisgah View Memorial Park.

Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is assisting the family.