12/06/1939 - 09/19/2026
Robert Lee Cothren, age 86 of Hayesville, NC passed away Saturday, September 19, 2026.
He was a native and lifelong resident of Clay County, NC and the son of the late Demilin and Eva Ledford Cothren. Robert worked at Carolina Dress as floor manager for 25 years and retired from Wal-Mart in 1997 as a supervisor in the dairy section. He loved fishing, ginseng hunting and gardening. Robert was a wonderful person. He was a member of Pilgrim Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Aleen Allison Cothren; one brother, Douglas Cothren; and five sisters, Terri Villa Mae Ex, Lou Ellen Stalcupp, Lillie Mae Lancaster, Margaret Franklin and Sarah Jane Stalcupp.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley Pope Mull; two daughters, Melissa Carver and Lavonda McCandless (Larry); one stepdaughter, Teresa Ashe; two stepsons, James Panter and Scotty Mull; thirteen grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, and seven great great grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be held at 12 pm, Friday, September 25, 2026 at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Hayesville. Rev. Mitchell Shields and Richard Burch will officiate. Burial will be in the Oak View Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be James Cothren, Cain Bradley, Caleb Bradley, TJ Panter, Jordan Ashe, Noah Harris and Max. Honorary pallbearers will be Damien Fleming and Darren Stewart.
The family will receive friends from 10 am to 12 pm, Friday, September 25, 2026 at Pilgrim Baptist Church.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
