Garland Ronald Cothran

Garland Ronald Cothran (Ron) of Chesterfield passed away at the age of 85 on Wednesday, January 31, 2024. He was the son of the late Jesse Garland Cothran and Pauline Dunn Cothran. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Ann B. Cothran; and siblings, William Cothran, Paul Cothran, Virginia Turnes, Donald Cothran, James Cothran, and Kenneth Cothran.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara W. Cothran; children, DeAnn M. Cothran, Gary R. Cothran (Evelyn), and Tina C. Klatt (Peter); grandchildren, Brittany Ganglfinger (Ben), Wesley Cothran, Olivia Klatt, and Jameelah Elvira Utto; and sisters, Thelma Booker, Lindie Cothran, and Fay Cothran.

Ron proudly and enthusiastically served his country in the United States Navy and the USN Reserves for 40 years as an avid defender of our freedoms. He spent 10 years enlisted and 30 years as a commissioned officer in the reserves, retiring as a Captain/O6 in 1997. He simultaneously worked for DuPont in logistics and warehousing, retiring as a Logistics Executive in 2000. He was known as a selfless and giving hero, always looking after others before himself - his greatest passion was indeed his family and friends. In his retirement years, Ron enjoyed traveling to the mountains and the beaches of VA and NC to feed the seagulls. He will forever be remembered as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, Veteran, and humanitarian. Ron is a genuine loss for this world - and for all who knew him, please enjoy some Cheetos!

A Celebration of Life service will be announced soon. In lieu of flowers, Ron would be so happy with memorial contributions to Wounded Warrior Project and American Red Cross - he truly wanted his legacy to reflect positive contributions to this world, and these organizations reflect his heart!