A.C. “Cotton” Mize

Alvin Clayton “Cotton” Mize (95) of Big Spring, died Friday, May 13, 2022.  Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 19, 2022 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Trinity Memorial Park.  Family visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home.

Cotton was born on November 4, 1926 in Big Spring to Kelly & Bertie Mize as one of 8 children. His surviving siblings are Joe Mize of Tulsa, OK and Shirley Holland of Abilene.  He graduated from BSHS and was captain of the 1945 Basketball Team.  While serving in the Air Force during WWII, he was stationed in Germany.  He married Billie Y. Norris on Aug. 31, 1947.  They were blessed with 3 children.  He loved Fast-Pitch Softball, old cars and was an avid fan of the Texas Rangers.  Cotton pitched, coached and sponsored softball for over 60 years.  He was an All-State Pitcher and won the State championship several times as well as 3 National Championships.  He also coached the Howard County College Lady Hawks Softball team.  Cotton’s softball accomplishments were recognized by having the City Park Softball Field named in his honor.

Cotton owned and operated the Morton Foods Distributorship, a wholesale food and potato chip company for over 30 years.   Later, he enjoyed owning and operating residential rental properties.

Cotton always loved his hometown of Big Spring and served as Mayor from 1986-1989.  He also enjoyed traveling and was thankful for the opportunity to experience Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, China, Mexico, Peru, Germany, France, Canada in addition to playing softball throughout the US.

Cotton was an active member of the Nazarene Church for over 90 years and served on the Church Board as well as the Sunday School Superintendent.  He participated in mission trips to several foreign countries.  He was a member of the Lions Club and Gideons.

Cotton and Billie’s children are Brenda Mize Toner (John) of Roundrock, Iva Carol Mize Pate (Joey) and Johnny Edwin Mize (Jill).  6 Grand Children include: Barachel and Jared Toner, Joie Marie Bailey and Clayton Pate, Justin and Jenna Mize.  Additionally, 4 Great-Grand Children: Saydee and Abbee Bailey, Callan and Kamdyn Pate.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Herman Mize, Kelly Jr. Mize, Zennuia Haston, Jane Patton and Robert Mize and Spouse Billie Mize.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Rachael Torres, John Toner, Phil Burchett and countless other friends for their care and friendship over many years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Nazarene Church or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory.  Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com

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