Joseph Dorman Cottrell, Jr.
September 11, 1956 ~ October 4, 2025
Born in:
Buncombe Co., NC
Resided in:
Candler, NC
Asheville Butterfly TrailLovingly 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.
Services
Visitation: October 10, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Trinity Baptist Church of Asheville
216 Shelburne Rd.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)254-2187
Celebration of Life: October 10, 2025 12:00 pm
Trinity Baptist Church of Asheville
216 Shelburne Rd.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)254-2187
Burial: October 10, 2025 1:00 pm
Pisgah View Memorial Park
1529 Smokey Park Hwy
Candler, NC 28715
(828) 667-4415
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
Joe was a talented, friendly man who had a gift for making everyone smile and laugh. We shared interests in outdoor travels and enjoying our natural world. And, he loved his family
I can certainly hear Joe say, “Hey, Dad” as he greets Uncle Hubert while he is own is way to see his precious parents.
Rest Easy, Joe…we will see you soon 💙
With love,
Janet & Allen
Cheatin Heart” a school talent show.I remember Joe playing football at Reynolds and being a wonderful classmate.
Joe and his parents always welcomed me into their home whenever I was around and Mr and Mrs. Cottrell were always so kind and generous so I guess that’s where Joe got that from. He was just a good guy I can’t think of any other way to describe him. His passing is a loss to all who knew him and those who might cross his path in the future.
Goodbye Joe I hope to see you again someday on the other side
What a fine gentleman the world has lost. I knew Joe and his steady dteed Dusty from the Encore Barn family and had the pleasure of seeing him load up his horse for his long rides at the Biltmore Estate. I enjoyed riding with Joe and Dusty in our covered arena. Always the gentleman….always with a smile. I enjoyed meeting his grandchildren when he would bring them with him. He will be missed. May his memory be a blessing to those who loved him
Joe was such a sweet man.
I got to get to know him through his lovely horse Dusty who He loved so much and had many adventures on.
He was so lovely and gracious and I’m sure we’ll be missed by many.
I’m sending lots of White light and love 💕
The Cottrell family were very much a part of my own family.
Joe was in my brother’s class in high school. Later he was the go-to person for engagement rings and fine jewelry. Indeed, he was invested in the celebrations of weddings, births and marking significant milestones.
Donna and Penny, you and your family know that Joe you are in my thoughts.
Deborah Lewis-Smith
Dear Donna, Monica, Valerie, Penny and families,
We have all been so very blessed to have Joe in our lives. Everyone who has known him has many fond memories. He truly exemplified the love of Christ in all his actions, and our world is less because of his passing. Joe and I recently talked about how blessed we were to have the quality families and relationships we have had down through the years. I personally have been blessed with knowing and loving Joe for 64 years of my life; it seems he was involved in every significant event of my life down through the years. He truly stabilized and enhanced every aspect of my journey. As the old song says we “bruised our hearts and scrapped our knees” in our early formative years (along with many, many happy memories and funny events), grew together in strength and courage, visited wonderful places together (Appalachian Trail, Grand Old Opry, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Colorado, Oklahoma, etc) stood up for each other in our weddings, comforted each other when our loving parents and extended family passed, got together whenever we could and maintained a close, happy and joyous relationship even though our lives and employments kept us geographically apart. He truly was a one of a kind man who always conducted himself and his business in a scrupulous, respectful and honest manner. You could always count on Joe. Our hearts are with you. We love you and look forward to seeing Joe again! Love, Allen and Terri Queen
So sorry for your loss
He is healed now! May you feel God’s presence as you travel this journey ❤️
We were so sorry to hear about Joe. He was always a favorite cousin. I have great memories of Myra and I going to Aunt Mae and Uncle Dorman’s house to spend the weekend. We always had fun. We also spent one weekend with Joe and Donna in Hendersonville. Joe was a special person. He was always kind and so much like his Daddy. We know you will miss him greatly. Our thoughts and prayer are with you all. We love you.
Brian and Robbie Whittington
I am so saddened by the passing of Joe. He was always an inspiration and a great, great friend to me. I was enriched and blessed to have such a Christian friend who “walked” the walk of Christ and was a true testimony to that faith. I know for certain where he is now and look forward to seeing him again. I celebrate his life and all the great memories we had in High School and thru the years playing golf . Blessings to all of his family in your time of grief!
Respectfully,
Paul R. Williamson MD
Our hearts are broken over the passing of Joe. Paul and I both agree that he was one of the kindest, gentlest and most sweet-spirited persons we have ever known. Having known Joe and his family since high school, he personified these traits consistently even during his significant health history. Even though we typically only saw him at the jewelry store, we always knew that we could call on Joe for any need and he would “be there” for us. While we mourn this earthly loss, we rejoice that he is healed and that we will see him again.
I’m so sorry to hear about Joe’s passing not realizing he was dealing with health issues. We became friends in the 70’s where we did a few plays at Asheville Community Theatre in “the good ‘ole days”! Our paths crossed over the years and over lunch we’d have catch-up time on respective families and friends. He was a fine person who will be missed. My condolences to Donna and the family during this difficult time.