SR1052: SR1052 Cottrell, Don Michael "Mike"; condolences

26 LC 129 1504 Senate Resolution 1052 By: Senators Gooch of the 51st, Echols of the 49th, Burns of th e 23rd and Hatchett of the 50th A RESOLUTION Recognizing and honoring the life and memory of Don Michael "Mi ke" Cottrell; and for1 other purposes.2 WHEREAS, Don Michael "Mike" Cottrell was born on January 3, 195 3, in Vohburg,3 Germany, the eldest of five children of Don and Connie Cottrell , and passed away on4 February 25, 2026, at his home in Dahlonega, Georgia; and5 WHEREAS, Mr. Cottrell proudly served his country in the United States Air Force Reserves6 and thereafter began his professional career working alongside his father at Cottrell,7 Incorporated, in Gainesville, Georgia, where he helped design innovative truck transports and8 develop the company into a leader in the car-hauling industry; and9 WHEREAS, in 1987, he purchased Cottrell, Incorporated, and thro ugh his leadership and10 entrepreneurial vision expanded the company's reach, acquiring a major competitor within11 a decade and initiating international sales in 1999; and12 WHEREAS, Mr. Cottrell was widely respected as a leading entrepr eneur in the North13 Georgia region whose business success strengthened the local ec onomy and created14 opportunities for countless workers and families; and15 S. R. 1052 - 1 - 26 LC 129 1504 WHEREAS, he was also deeply committed to civic and community se rvice, serving as16 chairman of the Lumpkin County Development Authority, vice chai rman of the Lumpkin17 County Water and Sewerage Authority, and a member of the board of directors of United18 Community Bank of Dahlonega, and he was appointed to the State Board of Economic19 Development in 2008 by Governor Sonny Perdue; and20 WHEREAS, a dedicated supporter of education and opportunity, Mr . Cottrell made21 transformational contributions to the University of North Georgia, leading to the naming of22 the Mike Cottrell College of Business in recognition of his gen erosity and commitment to23 student success; and24 WHEREAS, his gifts to the university have provided scholarships for students, supported25 internships and international study tours, funded faculty resea rch and professional26 development, established the Center for Entrepreneurship and In novation, and provided a27 permanent home for the Mike Cottrell College of Business on campus; and28 WHEREAS, Mr. Cottrell faithfully served as a trustee emeritus of the University of North29 Georgia Foundation, co-chairman of Living Our Values: The Campaign for North Georgia,30 and former vice chairman of the advisory council for the Mike Cottrell College of Business,31 receiving numerous honors for his philanthropy, including an honorary doctorate; and32 WHEREAS, he was also a devoted supporter of Junior Achievement and served as the lead33 investor in the first Junior Achievement Discovery Center located outside of Metro Atlanta,34 and in recognition of their generosity, he and his wife, Lynn, were honored as Philanthropists35 of the Year in 2008 by the North Georgia Community Foundation; and36 S. R. 1052 - 2 - 26 LC 129 1504 WHEREAS, a devoted family man and outdoorsman, Mr. Cottrell enjoyed hunting, fishing,37 golfing, traveling, and spending time in nature with family and friends, and he is survived38 by his wife, Lynn Cottrell; his children, Merri Kris Cottrell W ayne (Daren), Michael D.39 Cottrell (Kim), DJ Cottrell (Meghan), Dakota Cottrell-Graham (Levi), and Kayla Cottrell;40 his sisters, Christine Cottrell, Terry Leming (Derrick), and Ka thy Moore (Chuck); his41 beloved grandchildren; and many nieces and nephew.42 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body43 recognize and honor the life and memory of Don Michael "Mike" Cottrell and extend their44 deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his remarkable life.45 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed46 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the family of Don47 Michael "Mike" Cottrell.48 S. R. 1052 - 3 -