Joe Louis Cothrine

Joe Louis Cothrine peacefully departed this life on Monday morning, July 30, 2018. Joe Louis was born September 23, 1936 in Violet Hill, Arkansas to the late Ezrel and Alma Gean (Gardner) Cothrine.  He was the second of seven children.  He spent his younger years in LaCrosse, Arkansas and picked cotton during the late summer months.  His family migrated to Batesville, Arkansas where he received his formal education at Ethel O. Miller School.

Joe Louis accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age. He was baptized into the Sweet Home Baptist Church of LaCrosse, Arkansas under the leadership of Rev. Albert St. Clair.  He later joined Southside Church of Christ in Batesville Arkansas, where he was a faithful member until  moving into a Batesville nursing facility.  During his tenure at this facility, he was often seen attending religious services to further his spiritual growth and close walk with God.

Joe Louis worked in many capacities at the Exxon Mobil gas station and then ConAgra Foods in Batesville for a combined 50 years until retiring.

Joe Louis met his best friend, Juanita Bangs and they subsequently joined in holy matrimony and began raising a blended family. During their union, Joe Louis was very devoted to his wife and two sons, Keith Cothrine (Bridget) of Conway and Chris Dunegan of Batesville; and two daughters, Joetta Cothrine of Searcy and Startrea Cothrine of Newport.

Joe Louis was a soft spoken man who was devoted to his family and siblings. He was especially fond of horseback riding and antique cars.  Joe Louis’ strongest trait was that he was a God-Fearing Man who sought to be a servant leader for his Lord and Savior.  In the chapter of Matthew 6, we read of God-Fearing men like Joe Louis: But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all things will be added to you.

Joe Louis was preceded in death by his parents, Alma and Ezrel Cothrine; siblings, Douglas Cothrine of Beloit, Wisconsin and Loucile Sherrill and Emma Lou Sherrill both of Batesville, Arkansas.

Joe Louis was a vibrant, hardworking, energetic man who was known by his family and friends as affectionate, passionate, trustworthy, caring, understanding, honest, tender, respectful, and easygoing with a good sense of humor. He leaves to cherish his memories four loving children: Keith Cothrine (Bridget) of Conway, Chris Dunegan of Batesville, Joetta Cothrine of Searcy and Startrea Cothrine of Newport; one brother, Bobby Cothrine (Jo Ann) of Batesville; one sister, Rose Ella Cothrine Mills of Batesville; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and loving friends that would often call, visit and send birthday and holiday cards, which he loved to receive.

Funeral services will be Saturday, August 4, 2018 at the Qualls Batesville Funeral Service Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Sweet Home Cemetery at Lacrosse.

Visitation will be Friday, August 3, 2018 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.