December 25, 1954 - January 20, 2019 Born in Richmond, VA Resided in Richmond, Virginia

Obituary

Cottrell, Wellington Watkins III, “Chris,” of Richmond, passed away peacefully at age 64 on January 20, 2019. Although he battled cancer off and on for 13 years, he did not allow it to define him or take away from his time spent with family, friends and colleagues. He was born December 25, 1954, in Richmond, Va. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wellington Watkins Cottrell Jr. and Anne Marie Cottrell; and his sister, Mary Anne Cottrell. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Becky Cottrell; his sisters, Dianne Cottrell and Beth Grubbs (G.L.); his three children, Will Cottrell (Caitlin), Charlie Cottrell (Isabel) and Annie Cottrell (fiance, Griffin Johnson); and his three adored grandchildren, Watkins, Lulu and Evie. He attended Douglas Southall Freeman High School and the University of Virginia, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order. After two years at Central Fidelity Bank in Richmond, he earned his M.B.A. from the Darden School of Business. Following graduation, he went to work for Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company in New York City, and then returned to Richmond several years later to join SunTrust Bank. He was an original member of the senior management team when Xenith Bank was founded in 2008, and he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer until 2017, when Xenith was sold to Union Bank and Trust. Chris was always curious, constantly reading to learn more about the history and people of the world. The ultimate sports enthusiast and an accomplished baseball and basketball player in his youth, he proudly (and loudly) cheered on his Freeman Rebels and Wahoos until the very end. One of his favorite roles was that of a coach, helping his children and their friends find joy in sports. He loved playing golf with his buddies on the weekends, and he rarely missed a U.Va. football or basketball game in Charlottesville. His booming voice and passionate spirit will be truly missed — especially by referees. Chris’ wide network of friends is a testament to his genuine love, appreciation and respect for others. His wife, children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. And he is our hero. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Chris may be directed to support colon cancer research at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. Donations can be made online at https://secure.jhu.edu/form/kimmel. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, January 24, at Bliley’s-Central, 3801 Augusta Avenue. A celebration of Chris’ life will be held 11 a.m. Friday, January 25, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 903 Forest Avenue, where reception will follow.