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

Sign Guestbook

11 Condolence(s)