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Phillip Kenneth Cottrill, born April 14, 1939, at Mahone in Ritchie County, died Sept 8, 2026, at Rockland Ridge in Belpre, Ohio. Phillip was the son of the late Paul Kenneth Cottrill and Lucy Mae Metz Cottrill. He graduated from Parkersburg High in 1957, Glenville State College in 1961, and then went on to complete his Masters from Marshall University and a doctorate from the University of Maryland in 1976. Teaching became his life's work. He taught in many high schools and colleges spanning over five decades, served as registrar at Glenville State, and inspired many student teachers along the way to make a difference in education by becoming quality teachers. Phil had a passion for old cars, seeing several to full restoration (it had to be factory!), and authoring two books on cars, including one as an expert on the Ford Falcon. Phillip also loved delving into West Virginia history and doing ancestry research.
He is survived by his wife Naomi Sue Shaver Cottrill and 2 sons: Jon (wife Cheryl) of Harrisburg, NC and 2 grandsons Wesley (wife Jessica) and Drew; Patrick (wife Carrie) of Ringgold, VA, 3 grandsons Matthew, Aaron, and David and granddaughter, Athena. Grandson Andrew (wife Mandy) and great-grandson Cameron of Grafton, WV, and sister Judith Smith (husband Norman) of Parkersburg, WV. Phillip donated his body to the WV Human Gift Registry, to support medical education and research in West Virginia. A memorial service is being planned for a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice, or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF).