William Ralph Cotner

Lt. Colonel (retired) William Ralph Cotner, 88 years of age, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, June 7, 2013.  Born on September 7, 1924 at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio to Robert and Freddie May Cotner, he was raised in Cheyenne, WY where he resided until joining the Army Air Force in 1940.  He courageously served his country throughout World War II and after choosing the military as a career, retired with honors in 1960.  He is without doubt a true hero of America’s “greatest generation.” In late 1960 he was offered employment by six well-respected physicians from Fort Worth.  Upon accepting the position he became the first hospital administrator of what is now known as North Hills Hospital in North Richland Hills.  He took immense pride in his work and helped build the hospital into the extraordinary facility it is today. While the world has lost a truly amazing man, he will be reunited with his loving wife of 43 years who preceded him in death.  Lt. Colonel Cotner never knew a day without love and is survived by two sons, a granddaughter, four great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.