Joseph “Cotton” Wilhite, 84, of Owensboro, passed away on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. He was born July 17, 1940 in Daviess County to the late Harry D. Wilhite and Olivia Leah Davis Wilhite. Cotton retired from Purcell Tire and was a member of Saints Joseph and Paul Catholic Church. He was an avid UK fan and NASCAR. Cotton loved country music and anything that went fast!
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife of 43 years, Peggy Wilhite; second wife, Shirely Wilhite; son, Joe Wilhite; brother, Gary Wilhite; and sisters, Anna Louise Robertson, Sue Rock, and Phyllis Goodrich.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Sue Wilhite; son, Miles Wilhite; two daughters, Susan Settle (Mike) and Sandy Merimee (Mike); several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Paula Wilhite; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, J.J.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Monday at James H. Davis Funeral Home and Crematory. Burial will be in Owensboro Memorial Gardens. Visitation is from 12:00 – 2:00 P.M. on Monday at the funeral home.