Wesley "Cotton" Robertson, 96, of Camden, peacefully passed from this life and into Heaven on May 13, 2022. Born on July 23, 1925, to James "Dud" and Lillie Lusby Robertson, Wesley was one-of-a-kind, larger than life—a beloved husband, father, pawpaw, brother and friend.

It is impossible to describe the life of Wesley Robertson without immediate reference to his wife, Bernice. Married in September 1945, they were inseparable for 76 years-a true testament to love lived out every day. Just last month, they were recognized in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette as the fourth-longest remaining married couple in Arkansas. He affectionately referred to her as "Bernice" or "momma," lovingly teased her constantly, and would rather eat her cooking than that of any 5-star chef in the world.

Wesley was an avid hunter-especially deer and turkey-and loved going to the deer camp each fall. It surely was the highlight of his year, and he continued to climb into tree stands and ride his 4-wheeler well into his 80s. For decades, he kept an enormous garden in his backyard on Tate Street. Corn, peas, tomatoes, cucumbers...it seemed that he kept half of Camden in vegetables for most of the summer. What he didn't give away to neighbors and friends, he canned or put in his deep freeze. Even on the hottest, most humid Arkansas summer days, you could find Wesley out in the garden wearing his overalls and long sleeves.

When you were around Wesley, he made you feel like the most important person in the room. He loved to make people laugh and always had a joke or riddle at his disposal. "There are two ducks in front of a duck, two ducks behind a duck, and a duck in the middle...how many ducks are there?" He always thought it was hilarious to introduce Bernice as his "first wife." Wesley was selfless in visiting shut-ins, hospital patients, and nursing home residents regularly throughout the week. People loved "Cotton"; and he loved them back.

Before retirement, Wesley worked at the International Paper Co. in Camden for 42 years. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and served on the River Valley Community Credit Union Board for many years. He was a long-time, faithful member of Cullendale First Baptist Church and could be found in the congregation every Sunday, impeccably dressed in a suit and tie.

Wesley is preceded in death by his father and mother, James Robertson and Lillie Robertson, siblings Reginald, Orland, Herschel, twin brother Leslie, Maxine, and Ray. He is survived by his wife of 76 years, Bernice; daughter Sandra Jones (Richard) of Camden; granddaughters Julie Bird (Billy) and Lisa Lowe; five great-grandchildren, Olivia, Wesley and Everett Bird and Hannah and Andrew Lowe; and a host of other extended family and friends.

Special thanks to the staff at ONRC for their kindness and care.

Visitation will be from 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 16, 2022, at Cullendale First Baptist Church, 1500 Cash Road SW, Camden, Arkansas, with the funeral services immediately following.