Noel Jenner "Cotton" Hillman

Noel Jenner “Cotton” Hillman, 84, of Neely, Mississippi, went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 17, 2024. 

Cotton was born to Jay Hugh and Katie Ruth (Roberts) Hillman on September 15, 1940. He grew up in Neely with his sister and four brothers; Shirley Gayle (Polly) Herndon, Gary (Karen) Hillman Sr., all of whom have preceded him in death. Those left to cherish his memories include Paul (Betty) Hillman, Phillip (Lisa) Hillman, and Craig (Joy) Hillman. 

While in high school, Cotton caught the eye of Eva Nell Hillman. After he completed his service with the U.S. Army in Europe, he returned home and in October of 1963 they eloped. They immediately started their family with daughters Lori Ann (Melvin) Dueitt, Katherine Ruth (Timmy) McLendon, and son Lt. Col. (U.S. Army Ret.) Jason Cotton (Jessica) Hillman. 

After the unfortunate passing of Eva in 2011, Cotton was blessed to find love again when he married Lou (Turner) Dunnam in 2012. In addition to Lou and his children, Cotton is survived by eight grandchildren [Lacy Simpson, Leah Tackitt, Kimberly Reed, Hanna Jordan, Conner McLendon, Carter Hillman, Katie Hillman, Tom Hillman] and six great-grandchildren [Kinley Reed, Alaina Reed, Jace Reed, Layla Jordan, Paxton Jordan and Peyton Merrill]. 

As a child, Cotton loved spending his days hunting, fishing, and exploring the great outdoors with his family and friends. As a teen, he attended McLain High School and graduated in 1959. After the Army, Cotton worked several odd jobs including carpentry and oil rig work at various locations across Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. He eventually found long-term employment with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks as a Game Warden. For 29 yrs (1967-1996), Cotton educated the public on conservation initiatives and protected fish and wildlife populations, helping the Magnolia State see the healthy return of white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, wood ducks, walleye, and striped bass - natural resources that were severely depleted during and following the Great Depression. 

During his retirement, Cotton loved spending time with his family, hosting family reunions, teaching Sunday School at Washington Missionary Baptist Church in Neely, serving as a Master Mason, supporting the community’s Volunteer Fire Department, planting crops and gardening, working with honeybees, watching sports, and traveling across the USA. 

Services are planned at Washington Missionary Baptist Church in Neely, MS with the Visitation on Friday, September 20, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and the Funeral at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 21, 2024. His family will be present to welcome loved ones. Burial will follow in Washington Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery with Masonic and Mississippi Dept. of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks Honors. Pallbearers include Eric Hillman, Allan Hillman, Conner McLendon, Tom Hillman, Carter Hillman, and Laren Turner.  

Moments Funeral Home, Locally owned and operated, is honored to be in charge of arrangements

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