Robert Allen Cotton “Sam”, age 83, of Albemarle passed away on Saturday, September 8, 2012, at Stanly Manor.

The family will receive friends at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle on Monday, September 10, 2012, form 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

The funeral service, officiated by Pastor John Futterer, will be held at First Lutheran Church on Tuesday, September 11, 2012, at 11:00 a.m.

Burial will follow at Fairview Memorial Park, with military honors conducted by the Stanly County DAV, Chapter 12. At other times the family will meet at the home of his son, Rick, 106 Poplins Grove Church Road, Albemarle.

Sam was born in Stanly County on December 3, 1928, to the late Homer Leroy Cotton, Sr. and the late Kate Moss Cotton.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Bessie Roselene Huneycutt of the home; two sons, Rick Cotton and wife, Mimi of Albemarle and Robert Cotton, Jr. of Weddington; and five grandchildren, Mackenzie, Davis, Milly, Kate and Sam Cotton.

Sam was owner and operator of Cotton Auto Parts. He served his country honorably in the Army, serving in the 101st Airborne during the Korean War.

Memorials may be made to First Lutheran Church Youth Ministry, 230 South Second St., Albemarle, NC 28001 or Stanly County DAV, P.O. Box 112, Albemarle, NC 28002.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Cotton family.