Fallen Hero: Retired Staff Sergeant Dennis James Cotton

Canton, MS

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Funeral Home

Breland Funeral Home

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Obituary

Military Service Tribute, Honors, and Obituary:

Recognizing and Honoring a Fallen Hero who Served in the Mississippi National Guard. “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten.” In recognition of our proud American tradition of honorable service, which our military men and women have given to their country and our state, we honor a Fallen Hero. Our nation, our state, and the National Guard Association of MS (NGAMS) regard memorializing its retired military deceased as an honorable and sacred obligation. Another great Soldier and Fallen Hero has been released from duty, passed from our ranks on May 25, 2026, and has moved on to his heavenly home. Retired Staff Sergeant Dennis James Cotton, age 64, Canton, MS, who served in the 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group has departed and gone to a better place with our Lord and Savior.

It takes a special person to serve in the military for their country, sacrificing time with family time, comfort, and safety to ensure all Americans can enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life. We now applaud you for your service to our country.

A special message from General Douglas MacArthur remains relevant today for our servicemen who have passed: “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away.” Rest in peace, soldier. We honor your patriotism, sacrifices, and brave efforts in serving our country and your family’s support of your service. We thank you for your service. Without your efforts and your families’ support, our country would not stand so boldly, shine so brightly, and live so freely.

You have now earned your rest, so go fly with the angels, go rest high on that mountain; your work on earth is complete. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ love for the Father and the Son.

Another great soldier has gone home—“Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten, Soldier for Life.”

Obituary, Visitation, and Service Details:

Dennis James Cotton, 64, beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home on May 25, 2026, Memorial Day. Dennis lived a fulfilling life. He was diagnosed with ALS in March and maintained his zest for life until his last day. He was surrounded by family and friends, sharing laughter, larger-than-life stories, and memories that created the fabric of his legacy.

Dennis was born to Charley and Beatrice Cotton and raised in Macon, Mississippi. From a family of four boys-Dan, Jerry, Thomas, and Dennis-Dennis was the baby, and most would say he was always the center of attention. Throughout high school and college, Dennis worked in production at Delta Brick in Macon. Following his graduation from Mississippi State University, Dennis began his professional career in sales at Delta Brick.

Dennis and Renee met in Starkville and married in 1987. Over his 40-year career in sales, he maintained a territory spanning Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Texas. Though his degree was in production management, Dennis was a natural-born salesman. He had a talent for making people feel special and maintained many close relationships with clients that began in his 20s and lasted throughout his lifetime. He considered many of them among his closest friends.

Dennis served in the Army National Guard and completed Special Forces training, earning his Green Beret. He was a Mississippi State Bulldog through and through. He loved watching Mississippi State baseball while cooking barbecue for anyone who would come watch sports with him. He also enjoyed the time he spent coaching various youth sports.

He enjoyed golf (at times), hunting, fishing, and almost anything related to the outdoors; his favorite hobby, however, was spending time with his sons, Chance and Connor. He was always on the field, on the sidelines, in the stands, or behind the scenes providing guidance, support, and encouragement. He also willing shared his faith with his children and their many friends.

He is survived by his loving wife, Renee; sons, Chance and Connor; daughter-in-law, Kimberly; and his oldest brother, Dan (Gwen) Cotton.

Visitation will be held Saturday, May 30, from 9:30–11:45 a.m. at Breeland Funeral Home in Canton. Services will be held at noon at First Baptist Church Canton (3316 S. Liberty St.), followed by a brief graveside service at Natchez Trace Cemetery (759 Hwy 51 S., Madison).

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Team Gleason (www.teamgleason.org) or the ALS Association (www.als.org).

The family wishes to thank the many caregivers, loved ones, and friends who provided great comfort and support throughout the journey of this debilitating disease.