David Lee Cotterill

Published 1:39 pm Wednesday, December 11, 2024

David Lee Cotterill of Winston-Salem, NC died on December 7, 2024 at his home after a brief, courageous battle with metastatic brain cancer. David was born May 7, 1937 in Rochester, NY, to Ethel Townsend Cotterill and Henry John Cotterill. A graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas High School, in 1960 he graduated from The Pennsylvania State University (B.S. Industrial Psychology), where he was President of Sigma Nu Fraternity. In 1992, Sigma Nu named David the National Business Man of the Year. In 1998, Penn State named him an Alumni Fellow, an honor bestowed to only 20 alumni per year.

While attending a fraternity-sorority mixer in 1958, David held the door open for a cute coed, Joan Royer. The result was 63 years of marriage. David and Joan’s life together was a true love story, partnership and team MamaPapa to their 6 grandchildren.

After Penn State, David completed management training at Mellon Bank in Pittsburgh, PA and joined its data processing sales area. In 1964, he was recruited by Wachovia Bank (located in Winston-Salem, it was then the largest bank in the South). There he began a long and successful banking career, as well as a long life of service to the Winston-Salem community.

David devoted countless hours to civic organizations. He found special joy and meaning in his service on three boards that together guided one historic community: the boards of Old Salem Museum and Gardens, Salem Academy and College, and Home Moravian Church, where he was a faithful member since 1994.

That same year, David retired from his banking career after many significant achievements, which had come early and quickly. After only one year with Wachovia he had become President of Wachovia Services, Inc., the student loan processing subsidiary. Subsequently, he was named head of the Systems and Programming and Banking Operations Departments of Wachovia Bank and Trust Co. N.A. Additionally, Marketing, Human Resources, Corporate Security and Facilities reported to him for periods of time. During this time, he was promoted to Executive Vice President of the bank. Upon Wachovia’s acquisition of First National Bank of Atlanta in 1985, he headed Information Technology and Banking Operations for the new corporation. David later moved from the corporate-wide IT and Operations responsibilities to become Executive Vice President of Wachovia Corporation and President of its multi-state Trust Services, a position he held until his 1994 retirement.

While building his career, David completed the Executive Program at Stanford’s Palo Alto, CA campus. He made many contributions to local, national and international banking organizations. Besides the various boards of Salem, David contributed to many causes in the Winston-Salem area (including Senior Services, Habitat for Humanity, Hospice Foundation Board, Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust, Wake Forest Cancer Center and Crosby Scholars), and many beyond, such as Roanoke Island Historical Association and Penn State.

In 1985 David and Joan built a second home in Sanderling “Salt Marsh” in Duck, NC. They spent 34 years enjoying the Outer Banks area and all its beauty. His favorite place to visit was Duck’s Cottage, followed by a walk along the Duck Boardwalk. After retirement David and Joan traveled extensively in Europe and within the US, where they especially enjoyed America’s National Parks. Their favorite trip was to Triangle X Ranch in Moose, Wyoming, with their children and grandchildren. Also in retirement, David and Joan researched their genealogy and traveled to ancestral sites in England, France and Germany.

David’s connection to Salemtowne Retirement Community began with serving as a member and chair of the board. In 2017, David and Joan established a beautiful garden at Salemtowne’s Babcock Rehabilitation Center. This garden has brought much enjoyment to many employees and residents, and it was David’s pride and joy at Salemtowne, where he and Joan have lived since 2020.

David is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joan Royer Cotterill, of the home. He is also survived by his son, Jon D. Cotterill (Analisa) of Greensboro, NC, and his daughter, Susan Cotterill Clissold (Cory) of Southern Shores, NC; and by his six grandchildren: George Clissold (Hailey), Alexandra Cotterill, Caroline Clissold, Jonathan Cotterill, David Cotterill II and Caroline O’Toole. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Elizabeth Royer Hike.

David was one of a kind. His incredible sense of humor persisted through his final days. If you were fortunate enough to meet David, you know what an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, businessman, friend and mentor he was.

A memorial service will be held December 18, 2024 at 2 p.m. at Home Moravian Church in Old Salem with Reverend Ginny Hege Tobiassen officiating.

The family extends thanks to Francis X. O’Brien, MD for his remarkable care over the years. They also thank the many employees of Salemtowne, Trellis Supportive Care and Daughters for Hire for all of their support during a difficult time.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in David’s memory to Home Moravian Church, 529 S. Church St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101, or a charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be shared online at www.salemfh.com.

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