William Robert “Bookum” Cotton, 76, a former Fairfield native, departed this world Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Frankfort Regional Medical Center. He was born November 27, 1949 to the late Robert Roosevel

William Robert “Bookum” Cotton, 76, a former Fairfield native, departed this world Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Frankfort Regional Medical Center. He was born November 27, 1949 to the late Robert Roosevelt Cotton and Aline Mae Hughes Cotton Lewis.In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by a brother, James C. Cotton and a nephew, Deavonne Cotton.He is survived by 6 sisters, Jean Simpson of Frankfort, Carol Mitchell of Louisville, Bonnee Armston of Cincinnati, OH., Connie (Daryl) Taltoan of Atlanta, GA., Debbie Young of Louisville, Denia Payne of Frankfort, 2 brothers, Terry (Sarah) Cotton of Fairfield, Larry (Debbie) Cotton of Louisville, as well as 6 nephews, 9 nieces, 8 great nieces, 8 great nephews and 1 great-great nephew. A host of relatives and friends also survive.Robert was a very kind, gentle man. He loved watching MeTV, and his favorites, Bonanza and Walker Texas Ranger. He loved listening to the world news and looking at old antique cars. He enjoyed listening to music, attending church and loved telling stories about his youth.Robert accepted Christ at an early age with the apostolic faith in Shelbyville where he was baptized. He attended Eli H. Brown School and Bloomfield High School, and then went on to join Job Corps. Robert worked various jobs after Job Corps including Bloomfield Mill and farming for Charles Oliver Cornell in Fairfield, which was a job that he loved and took pride in.Robert later moved to Bardstown with his family until the death of his mother. He then lived in Lexington for a short while, then settled in Frankfort (always with family). While in Frankfort, Robert became a member of Bethesda Temple Church of the Living God with Bishop Robert Manley, Jr. Robert loved attending church here and especially loved hearing the word of God officiated by Bishop Manley. He attended here regularly until his illness would not allow him to attend church any longer. He then looked forward to his weekly visits from his brother, Terry and childhood friend, Charles F. Williams. This was always the highlight of his week.Robert had many people who cared for him in his time of need. He had a special caregiver that he thought a lot of named Michelle Williamson. His sisters Denia Payne (who he lived with) and Jean Simpson have to be acknowledged for the great love, care and support they showed him until the very end.Funeral services for William Robert “Bookum” Cotton will be 1:00 pm Friday, May 29, 2026 at the Houghlin-Greenwell Funeral Home in Bardstown. Bishop Robert Manley, Jr. will officiate. Interment will be in Bardstown Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 11:00 am until time of the funeral service. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Houghlin-Greenwell Funeral Home.Roberts favorite verse: Psalm 23: 1-6The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.