Husband of Mary Ashworth and Son of James Clarence Ashworth and Virgie Arbelle (Lavelle) Ashworth

He served in the Army during World War II in the 818 Tank Destroyer Battalion. His unit was in the Battle of the Bulge and other major battles. He received several medals, including the Bronze Star. He was given the Bronze Star later by President John Kennedy when he dedicated Greers Ferry Dam in 1963. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion. He donated his body to medical science

Cotton Ashworth, 82, of Charleston died Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2004, in Van Buren. He was born Jan. 14, 1921, to James Clarence Ashworth and Arbelle Lavelle. He was a self-employed building contractor, a Baptist and a veteran. He served in the Army during World War II in the 818 Tank Destroyer Battalion. His unit was in the Battle of the Bulge and other major battles. He received several medals, including the Bronze Star. He was given the Bronze Star later by President John Kennedy when he dedicated Greers Ferry Dam in 1963. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion. He donated his body to medical science. There will be a memorial service at Smith Mortuary Chapel in Charleston on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2004, at 1 p.m.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ashworth of Fort Smith; three sons, Tom and daughter-in-law, Jane of Fort Smith, Chris Ashworth of Fort Smith, Richard and daughter-in-law, Dottie of Herndon, Va.; one daughter, Debbie Ashworth-Hoffman of Van Buren; three brothers, Leon Ashworth of Fayetteville, James of Central City and Billy of Van Buren; three sisters, Maxine Rucker of Norman, Okla., Ella Mae Ledford of Fort Smith and Audrey Nolan of Jenny Lind; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a special niece, Francis Trosper of Barling; and many more nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Arkansas Children's Hospital, P.O. Drawer 2222, Little Rock, AR 72203.