Joe Marshall Cottrell, Sr., 85, of Brentwood, Tennessee, passed away on Sunday, August 30, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Joe was born on August 26, 1941, in Lester, Alabama, to Oscar and Bessie Cottrell, who preceded him in death. He grew up in Minor Hill, Tennessee, where he graduated from Minor Hill High School. He later attended Middle Tennessee State University, earning a degree in accounting.

Following college, Joe began his professional career with the accounting firm of Ernst & Ernst. He later worked at Pineview Hospital in Hartselle, Alabama, before returning to Pulaski, Tennessee, where the entrepreneurial spirit that would define much of his working life truly began.

Over the years, Joe started and operated businesses in a variety of fields, including retail, real estate, and farming. He was a natural entrepreneur who enjoyed building businesses and pursuing new opportunities. His long and varied career ultimately concluded with a retail furniture business on Thompson Lane in Nashville, which he owned and operated for more than thirty years.

Joe's faith in the Lord and his love for the Lord's church were among the most important parts of his life. He was a lifelong member of churches of Christ and, in recent years, was a faithful member of Southern Hills Church of Christ in Franklin, Tennessee.

His faith was reflected not only in what he believed, but in the way he cared for and gave to others. Joe was an extraordinarily generous man who believed deeply in the importance of giving. Over the years, he quietly helped countless friends, family members, and others who were going through difficult times. Sometimes his help came in the form of a loan, even when he knew there was little possibility it would ever be repaid. Other times, he simply gave because he saw a need and wanted to help.

Many of his acts of generosity were known only to the person who received them. He would at times send money anonymously, never seeking recognition or thanks. He generously supported his family and friends, the church he loved, and numerous works of the church. His giving was not motivated by a desire for attention, but by a genuine desire to help others and use the blessings he had received to bless those around him.

His generosity was one of the great lessons he passed on to his children. He taught them, both by his words and, even more, by his example, the importance of giving freely, helping those in need, and recognizing that we are blessed in order to be a blessing to others. For his family, his example of quiet and faithful generosity will remain an enduring part of his legacy.

More important than his professional accomplishments, Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 64 years, Jewel Cottrell.

He is also survived by his children, Joe Cottrell, Jr. (Amy) of Brentwood; John Cottrell (Julie) of Franklin; Julie Dooner (John) of Franklin; and Jay Cottrell of Franklin.

Joe was the proud grandfather of Marshall Cottrell, Dr. Macy Cottrell, Savannah Lewis, Jax Dooner, and Jones Dooner, and the proud great-grandfather of Joe Cottrell.

Joe's life was marked by faith, hard work, determination, generosity, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Above all, he loved his family, and he leaves behind a legacy that will continue through the family he loved so dearly, his example of faithful generosity, and the many lives he touched throughout his 85 years.

A private family service will be held Thursday, September 3, at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home in Franklin, Tennessee, with Bill Watkins officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Southern Hills Church of Christ in Franklin, Tennessee, or Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort in Nashville, Tennessee.