Robert Lee Cotten, Jr.

Robert Lee Cotten, Jr. was born March 2, 1966 in Lee County to the late Robert Lee Cotten, Sr. and Helen Kornegay Cotten. He departed this life on Monday, March 16, 2020 at his home.

Robert graduated from Lee County Senior High School, Class of 1984. He attended Harris Barber College in Raleigh, NC and graduated in 1987. After graduation, he went to work at the Smitty and Leo Barbershop and then on to Headen’s Barbershop. He later ventured out on his own to open Precisely Right Barbershop in Siler City, NC. In 1994 he opened Sanford Lee School of Barbering which was a lifelong dream.

Robert began his walk with Christ at Ebenezer Gospel Assembly under Pastor Glen Williams, and later Pastor Delois Curry.  He later joined Christian Provision Ministries, under the leadership of Bishop Charles Mellette, was a faithful member until his passing and loved his Pastor and Church family. Robert was an energetic person known for his big smile and larger than life personality. He was a person who loved his family, especially his grandchildren. Robert was always there to help relatives and friends, when they needed him. He was a mentor and role model to many young men and women, who desired a career in the barbering profession. Robert was an avid Tarheels and Redskins fan. He loved movies, especially westerns. Traveling kept him busy and entertained during his down time. Robert was always known for his stylish and well-groomed appearance. He was a stylish dresser, and best known for wearing his “Kangol”.

Robert is preceded in death by his father, Robert Lee Cotten, Sr. and his baby brother, Rodney Keith Cotten.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his loving wife of 27 years, Cindy Cotten; his children, Robert O’Neil Burgess, of Greensboro, NC, Brandon Cole Cotten, of Cary, NC, Danielle Cotten Bynum, (Brock) of Cary, NC and Krystle Michelle Cotten, of New Taipei City, Taiwan and two fur babies, Onyx and Nova; his mother, Pastor Helen Cotten, of Sanford, NC; brother, Delton Lee Cotten, (Denise) of Charlotte, NC and sister, Robin Renae Cotten of Greensboro, NC; granddaughters Genesis Renee Wilkins, of Graham, NC and Lavana Saiee Bynum, of Cary, NC; mother- and father- in- Law, Pastors Clifford and Patti Cole, of Sanford, NC; sisters- in- law, Barbara Berryman (Reggie), of Suffolk VA, Angela Cameron (Jessie), of Decatur, GA,and Debbie Mills (Dorren), of Joppa, MD; brother-in-law, Scottie Jamerson (Gwen) of Knightdale, NC; great-uncle, Kurt Marsh, of Sanford, NC; uncles, Haywood Kornegay of Durham, NC, Clarence Wilkerson (Peggy) of Wake Forest, NC, John Hancock and Dennis Hancock of Sanford, NC; aunts, Nannie Marsh of Fuquay-Varina, NC, Denise Satterfield of Jacksonville, FL, Alene Hancock and Jan Patterson of Sanford, NC, Shirley Ann Allen (Clarence) of Wake Forest, NC, Barbara Lunsford of Durham, NC, Pastor Mary Allen (Clenso) of Brooklyn, NY, Evangelist Sharon Houser (Bill) of Rockaway, NY, Carolyn Williams of Sanford, NC and Eva Kornegay of Raleigh, NC and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The family will be receiving friends at the home of his mother at 1049 Greystone Circle in Sanford from 2pm to 8pm.  

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested your donations go toward the Robert Lee Cotten Jr. Scholarship Fund for future Barbers.  You may also send checks payable to the Robert Cotten Memorial Foundation 403 Wicker Street Sanford, NC 27330. 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/robertleecottenjrmemorialscholarship

Below is a link to upload any photos or videos of Min. Cotten
https://www.dropbox.com/request/9nsylD5vrkvYMEtIcx4J

Professional services entrusted to: Knotts Funeral Home - Sanford