Traphill Mr. Fred J. Cothren, age 71 went to sleep in Jesus, June 18, 2008. He was born in Surry County on July 20, 1936 to James "Jim" & Epel Billings Cothren. Mr. Cothren was a veteran of the United States Army and was a retired farmer and a member and deacon of Stoney Ridge Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Donald Cothren; a brother-in-law, Fred Carter; a sister-in-law, Geraldene Harpe. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth H. Cothren of the home; a daughter, Debbie C. Wilhelm of Hickory; two sons, David Cothren and wife Amy, Dale Cothren and wife Karen all of Traphill; two special grandsons, Patrick Wilhelm and Logan Cothren; a sister, Ethelene Carter of State Road; a brother, Claytus Cothren and wife Joyce of Elkin; a sister-in-law, Betty Jo Cothren; two brothers-in-law, Roger Harpe and Jerlene of Asheville, Henry Harpe and Anne of Ronda; three special nephews, Ronnie Cothren, Bobby Cothren, and Tyre Cothren who were like sons, and other special nephews and nieces; two aunts, Lois Billings and husband Jim, Carolyn Cothren all of Thurmond. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Stoney Ridge Baptist Church by Jerry Brooks and Dale Cothren. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with committal service conducted by Rev. Mark Freeman and Rev. Joel Blevins. Mr. Cothren will lie instate 30 minutes prior to the service. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Hodges Funeral Home in Elkin. The family wishes to give special thanks to Hospice of Wilkes, especially Dawn, Delores, Debbie, Angie and Margo; and a special thanks to all those who prayed for Fred and family, for cards, visits and phone calls. The family requests no flowers or food. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Wilkes, 1907 West Park Drive, N. Wilkesboro, NC 28659 or to Stoney Ridge Baptist Church, 2325 King Billings Road, Traphill, NC 28685. Online condolences may be made at www.hodgesfuneralhomeinc.com Hodges Funeral Home in Elkin is serving the Cothren Family.
