SR 1052: Cottrell, Don Michael "Mike"; condolences

Senate Resolution 1052

By: Senators Gooch of the 51st, Echols of the 49th, Burns of the 23rd and Hatchett of the 50th

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing and honoring the life and memory of Don Michael "Mike" Cottrell; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Don Michael "Mike" Cottrell was born on January 3, 1953, in Vohburg, Germany, the eldest of five children of Don and Connie Cottrell, and passed away on February 25, 2026, at his home in Dahlonega, Georgia; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Cottrell proudly served his country in the United States Air Force Reserves and thereafter began his professional career working alongside his father at Cottrell, Incorporated, in Gainesville, Georgia, where he helped design innovative truck transports and develop the company into a leader in the car-hauling industry; and

WHEREAS, in 1987, he purchased Cottrell, Incorporated, and through his leadership and entrepreneurial vision expanded the company's reach, acquiring a major competitor within a decade and initiating international sales in 1999; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Cottrell was widely respected as a leading entrepreneur in the North Georgia region whose business success strengthened the local economy and created opportunities for countless workers and families; and

WHEREAS, he was also deeply committed to civic and community service, serving as chairman of the Lumpkin County Development Authority, vice chairman of the Lumpkin County Water and Sewerage Authority, and a member of the board of directors of United Community Bank of Dahlonega, and he was appointed to the State Board of Economic Development in 2008 by Governor Sonny Perdue; and

WHEREAS, a dedicated supporter of education and opportunity, Mr. Cottrell made transformational contributions to the University of North Georgia, leading to the naming of the Mike Cottrell College of Business in recognition of his generosity and commitment to student success; and

WHEREAS, his gifts to the university have provided scholarships for students, supported internships and international study tours, funded faculty research and professional development, established the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and provided a permanent home for the Mike Cottrell College of Business on campus; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Cottrell faithfully served as a trustee emeritus of the University of North Georgia Foundation, co-chairman of Living Our Values: The Campaign for North Georgia, and former vice chairman of the advisory council for the Mike Cottrell College of Business, receiving numerous honors for his philanthropy, including an honorary doctorate; and

WHEREAS, he was also a devoted supporter of Junior Achievement and served as the lead investor in the first Junior Achievement Discovery Center located outside of Metro Atlanta, and in recognition of their generosity, he and his wife, Lynn, were honored as Philanthropists of the Year in 2008 by the North Georgia Community Foundation; and

WHEREAS, a devoted family man and outdoorsman, Mr. Cottrell enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, traveling, and spending time in nature with family and friends, and he is survived by his wife, Lynn Cottrell; his children, Merri Kris Cottrell Wayne (Daren), Michael D. Cottrell (Kim), DJ Cottrell (Meghan), Dakota Cottrell-Graham (Levi), and Kayla Cottrell; his sisters, Christine Cottrell, Terry Leming (Derrick), and Kathy Moore (Chuck); his beloved grandchildren; and many nieces and nephew.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body recognize and honor the life and memory of Don Michael "Mike" Cottrell and extend their deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his remarkable life. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the family of Don Michael "Mike" Cottrell.