Ralph Frederick Cotterman
January 17, 1964 - September 2, 2024

Ralph Frederick Cotterman III, 60, of Wilmington, NC passed away on September 2, 2024 after a valiant two year battle with cancer.

Ralph, who was known as “Butch” or “Butchy” to many, was born January 17, 1964 in Sidney, OH to Ralph Frederick Cotterman Jr, and the late Floree Cotterman.

Butch had fond memories growing up in Sidney. He was active in the sports community where he played baseball, basketball, football, and was an avid wrestler and boxer. He spent many fun filled days at the Sidney swimming pool with friends; playing pick up games of basketball, trying his luck with girls, and earning a reputation for his daredevil antics on the high dive. It was in Sidney that Butch discovered his passion for the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing and hunting with family and friends through out his lifetime. Butch was a graduate of Sidney High school class of 1982.

In 1985, Butch married the love of his life, Kim Yancy Cotterman. Despite concerns from family and friends; with Kim and Butch being a mere 18 and 20 years of age at the time, they went on to be married for 39 years. They were best friends. Butch often joked about his wife deserving an award for tolerating him; as even he recognized his charming yet stubbornly headstrong personality could be a bit trying at times. They raised three children; Chad, Caleb, and Carah in Frederick, MD. His role as “Dad” was a chapter that he deemed the happiest and most fulfilling of his life. He will lovingly be remembered by his children for what his daughter affectionately calls “blind pride”; knowing that through his eyes his children could do little wrong.

Butch spent his professional career in heavy equipment sales. Over the years he sold equipment for many companies including Caterpillar, John Deere, and Vermeer throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions of the United States.

Although he did find satisfaction in his work and a career that provided for his family, his true passion was coaching youth and high school wrestling. He began coaching wrestling in 1992 and continued through 2009. During this time, Butch coached, mentored, and encouraged hundreds of kids and was a true leader in the community. His athletes have said his “fun yet no nonsense approach” taught them grit, discipline, and drive. While he was admired and loved by his wrestlers and their families, the same can not be said for his reputation amongst the referees. Butch can be remembered for his often colorful altercations while advocating for his athletes and team. Standing up for what he felt was right was never something he was shy about in any area of his life. His team and wrestlers won multiple state titles; with many going on to wrestle collegiately. While he found joy over the successes of his wrestlers on the mat, it was the character and lessons they carried with them off the mat that brought him pride. His dedication to the sport can not be overstated.

Butch is survived by Kim Yancy Cotterman (wife), Carah Cotterman (daughter), Chad Cotterman (son),Ashlen Cotterman (daughter in law), Faith and Silas Cotterman (beloved grandchildren), and Gabbrielle Webb Cotterman (daughter in law). He is also survived by his father, Ralph Cotterman II. And his siblings, Amanda Martz, Kim Cotterman, Kathy Cole, Greg Cotterman, and numerous extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.

During Butch’s illness he spoke openly about his faith and the immense peace he felt with his journey coming to an end. While difficult to accept, he felt strongly that his purpose had been fulfilled in the part he played in the lives of his children. Butch felt with deep conviction and peace that he was to be reunited with his son CJ, who passed only a year ago, and his mother, Floree; both of whom had their lives cut short after their own battles with cancer and whom Butch loved fiercely.

In honor of Butch, his family asks that you reflect on this quote: “Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into the water, the actions of individuals can have far reaching effects.” So today, do something kind. Help a friend. Volunteer in your community. No act of kindness is too small to have an effect on the lives of many.

In honoring Butch’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral or services. Instead, he requested that his ashes be spread across three places that held deep meaning to him. We will gather together to complete his wishes and will host informal gatherings in Ohio and Maryland in the year to come to toast and share memories and good company. Details will be posted on social media as plans materialize and his requests are brought to life.

In the meantime, we invite you to celebrate Butch’s life in your own way—whether it’s through a quiet moment of reflection, a walk on the beach, a shared laugh with loved ones, or a simple toast to the man who touched so many lives. His spirit lives on in each of us, and it is through these everyday celebrations that his memory will continue to shine brightly.

They say the greater the love the greater the grief. With that in mind, please keep Butch’s family in your thoughts and prayers as they learn to navigate life with the absence of now two core members of their family in the weeks, months, and years to come.

In lieu of flowers/tree please consider a contribution to your local youth sports organization.

Coastal Cremations 6 Jacksonville St., Wilmington NC 28403

910.392.6032