of Greenbrier, AR
December 25, 1942 - May 3, 2025
John Melton Cotton was born in Greenbrier, Arkansas on Christmas Day in 1942 to the late Shannon and Ruby Cotton. Melton built his life in Greenbrier, marrying the late Shirley Davis Cotton in 1961. Together they had one son, Jimmy.
Melton had an entrepreneurial spirit from the start. He began his career laying tile and carpet. In the mid 70's Melton and Shirley bought Crafton and Sons Grocery in Greenbrier at the corner of 65 and East Main. Melton didn't think customers should pump their own gas, even after self-serve pumps came along. At Cotton's Grocery you got your gas pumped for you with an oil check, then you went inside for one of Shirley's ham sandwiches and a warm honey bun. In the mid 80's Melton built a pizza restaurant where the Wagon Wheel stands today. Melton also owned and ran Greenbrier Culverts and Tires for Less, where he also sold golf carts.
In 1987 Melton became mayor of Greenbrier, never placing an ad or pitching a sign. He served Greenbrier as mayor for 27 years until he retired in 2014. Melton was honored to be Greenbrier's Citizen of the Year in 1996. Melton was known as a great leader and a gentle man. During his mayoral years he continued building the community as a residential contractor.
Melton's vision for Greenbrier included an event center. In 2015 after Melton's retirement, that event center was renamed as The Melton Cotton City Event Center.
Melton proudly served as a director to the board of First Service Bank in Greenbrier for 27 years, until his passing.
Melton didn't just work all the time. He was an avid golfer and fisherman and a licensed pilot. His love of golf led him to become a partner with 6 other men in Persimmon Ridge Golf Course near Woolly Hollow.
Over the years Melton followed Jimmy, his grandkids and great grandkids around to watch them play ball. He'd often just show up in a pair of camo overalls to cheer them on.
In June of 2013 Melton married Clara Wooley Cotton at Woolly Hollow. Early in their relationship Melton agreed to support Clara's love of music if Clara supported Melton's love of golf. But it wasn't only his golf game that Clara encouraged. Melton loved to crappy fish. He and Jimmy spent many years fishing crappy tournaments together on Greers Ferry Lake.
One of Melton's most prized possessions was his fishing boat. Although it was made for water, it wasn't made for rain as far as Melton was concerned. His boat had a prominent place in the garage where Melton spent many hours engineering the best set up to catch the most fish.
Melton and Clara spent 9 years traveling with family and friends in South Dakota for bird hunts. Although Melton was a quiet man, he could also be a jokester. During one trip to South Dakota, he gathered up cockleburs in the field and put them in Bonnie Ussery's bed. Bonnie looked to blame every man on that trip but Melton, never thinking he'd be the guilty party. Melton and Clara barely slept that night for laughing so hard. You knew Melton liked you if he teased around with you.
Of all the trips Melton and Clara took in their camper, their most favorite was their trip to Yellowstone.
Melton attended church with Clara at Cedar Hill Church of Christ in Mount Vernon.
Even with failing health, Melton made a hole-in-one last summer. He and Jimmy spent a fantastic day on Greers Ferry Lake catching 38 good sized crappy this past October. Melton made the most of the time he had left with the family he and Clara created.
John Melton Cotton, aged 83, of Greenbrier, Arkansas passed peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on May 3, 2025. Melton was preceded in death by his parents, Shannon Melton Cotton and Ruby Reynolds Cotton. He was also preceded in death by his wife and mother of his only son, Shirley Davis Cotton and his sister, Karen Hairston. Melton was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Greenbrier.
Left to cherish his memory are Melton's wife, Clara Cotton; his sister, Cloedean Scroggins; his son. James Melton (Angela) Cotton; 3 grandchildren, Kyle (Haley) Cotton, Kendal (Alexis) Cotton and Kelsey Cotton; 4 great grandchildren, Hattie Cotton, Lilly Cotton, Karter Cotton and Piper Cotton; 2 step grandsons, Drew (Brianna) Payne and Josh (Kristin) Payne; 3 stepchildren, Rhonda (Joe) Cox, Amy (Brandon) Fowlkes and Chad (Angie) Wooley; 13 step grandchildren, Wyatt Payne, Jordan Payne, Anna Gray Payne, Koen Payne, Kyla (Dave) Whitmire, Kara (Steven) Smith, Kami Lasley, Brody Fowlkes, Keeley Fowlkes, Cody Fowlkes, Shelby Wooley, Jimmy Wooley and Isabelle Wooley and 3 step great grandchildren, Lincoln Collins, Gabriel Vines and Jaden Whitmire. Melton also leaves behind beloved nieces, nephews and other dear family members and many friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, May 8th at Faith Baptist Church located at 84 East Main Street, Greenbrier, Arkansas. Visitation will start at 10 AM with funeral services following at 11 AM. David Heffington and David Goff are officiating. Interment will follow the services at Siloam Cemetery: 6 North Siloam Cove, Enola, Arkansas.
The Pallbearers are Kyle Cotton, Kendal Cotton, Drew Payne, Josh Payne, Dan Barden, John Wilkes, Ronnie Garrett, Larry Rowlett, Terry Milam and Bruce Leggitt.
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20 Condolence(s)
Brian Brandt
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Melton was one of the members of our 5 member Greenbrier flying club back in the 1980s. With his help we were able to enjoy the sport of flying. I am sorry to hear about your loss. Praying for all of your family.
Donald Fulmer
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
I knew Melton for over 64 years he and my dad were best friends and even business partners in Tires for Less in Greenbrier. I remember Melton as a kind and thoughtful person and always had a smile (even when he lost at fishing, golf and other games)
I know he will be missed by so many people as he touched so many. God Bless everyone he touched with his kindness and love.
Jerry and Norma Stephens
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Clara, so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts. Love and prayers for you and your family.
Randy & Verna HIggins
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Verna and I both got to work with Melton when he was Greenbrier's mayor. Such a fine gentleman and he was always kind to us.
Jackie Rains
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Clara I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are always in my heart and sending Prayers and Love to you and family.
Linda Newman
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with this family, I'm very sorry to hear of your loss.
Lydia Blue
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Such a nice man with a warm smile. Prayers for comfort and strength.
Jerry and Janis Robbins & family
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Clara, Jimmy, Cloedean and families, Jerry and I are holding you up in our thoughts and prayers, want you to know we love you all. Melton was so liked by so many, and his legacy will continue on through all of you. Wishing that he could still be around for all of you and share in all the good times with his families, but he will be close, especially in your hearts. Praying for all of you.
Euna M. Reynolds Garrett
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Our Mother would want the families to know that she has always had a proud smile on her face if anyone ever mentioned her nephew Melton's name. She knew you were always quiet, but would speak up if needed to. She was always proud of the accomplishments in business you had made. She was honored that you were elected Mayor of Greenbrier. Knowing you were well liked in the businesses, and the improvements you helped achieved for the City of Greenbrier and its citizens. She loved Clara and Jimmy, and she would want you to know that she is saddened for the passing of Melton, but knowing that he is no longer suffering is good. She would want you to know that she loves all of you, and she is praying for all of you.
Karen Matthews
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family.
Gus and Barbara Lorenz
Monday, May 5, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Clara, Jimmy and all the family. Melton was a wonderful man. He was nice, kind and always had a smile on his face. He was a great Mayor! He will truly be missed by all that knew him.
Cathy Neal
Monday, May 5, 2025
May you rest in peace Melton and I pray for your family. Melton was always been kind to me and we know his victory has come to him by going home!!
Robert Glover
Monday, May 5, 2025
Melton was undoubtedly the best man I've ever known, a man of integrity, character and honest man, his word was his bond. I haven't been in touch with him in several years, but saw him in Conway carti about three weeks ago, I wish I had spent more time with him, really going to miss you my friend 🧡
Jim Bryant
Monday, May 5, 2025
Melton was a good friend all our lives, We played many rounds of golf both in & out of state. I will miss him terribly.
Lis Goodnight
Monday, May 5, 2025
Randy and I are so sorry to hear of Melton's passing. You all are in our prayers. He will be greatly missed.
Randy and Lisa Goodnight
Liz Straughn
Monday, May 5, 2025
So sorry to hear of Melton's passing. I only had the pleasure to meet him a couple of times. He was a quiet man, but you could tell from the sparkle in his eyes that he was a jokester. Hugs to you, Clara, and the rest of the family. Will keep you in my prayers for comfort and wonderful memories.
Terri Matthews Luna
Monday, May 5, 2025
Clara, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.
Carrel Ann Johnston and Thelma Ruth Hodge
Monday, May 5, 2025
I am so proud that Deanna brought Mother over to see you two a few days ago. We are heart broken to lose this family member. Praying for comfort from GOD. Love
Robert wright
Monday, May 5, 2025
Worked at Persimmon Ridge and played lots of golf with my friend MeltonðŸ™
Les Smith
Monday, May 5, 2025
Dear Cotton Family:
So very sorry to hear about your loss. Y'all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love and Prayers
Les Smith