William H. “Cotton” Byrom died peacefully at his home on Wednesday, July 22, 2015. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Raney Byrom; parents, W. Clint and Nell Byrom; sister, Julia Byrom Williamson; and nephew, James "Buddy” Williamson. He is survived by his wife, Geraldine “Geri” Byrom; and his four daughters: Priscilla (Pete) Sanstead, Barbara (Terry) Johnson, Jennifer (Alan) Byrom; Julie (Guy) Byrom; grandchildren: Betsy Cooley, Leslie (Josh) Sparr, Tyler Sparr, Caroline Sanstead, and Gracie Stewart; great-grandchildren: Sarah Cooley, Brooke Baker, William Baker, Ben White and Jayden White; stepchildren, Matt (Tonya) Lawrence and Laura (Shaine) Garrison; step grandchildren: Seth Lawrence, Grant Garrison, Colin Garrison and Emma Garrison; nephew, Jack (Betty) Williamson, and special relative, Paul (Laurie) Green. Cotton was born in Milton, attended Berryhill Elementary School, graduated from Milton High School, and at age 17 joined the U.S Navy during the 2nd World War. After the war, Cotton attended the University of Florida until his transfer in 1947 to Florida State University, from which he graduated in 1949 with a degree in finance. While at Florida State, he served as founding president of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity after having joined the Fraternity while at the ‘other’ university. While at Florida State University, although Cotton was a ‘good’ student, the President of the University was acquainted with him for other University business for which Cotton’s creativity is unmatched to date. Cotton served as Mayor of Milton, City Judge, and City Police Director from 1950-68; Served in the Florida Legislature 1960-61; He owned the Byrom Insurance/Real Estate Agency 1950-1989; Cotton served on the SunTrust Bank Board of Directors for thirty-four years; served as Chairman of Santa Rosa Beach Administration from 1965-1983 and served as the Santa Rosa County Civil Defense Director from 1956 to 1968. Cotton was a member of First United Methodist Church and member of the Milton Kiwanis Club. Cotton was a dedicated FSU football fan and enjoyed golfing at Tanglewood. He enjoyed meeting for coffee with friends as well as discussing current events and politics. Visitation will be held 5:00-7:00 PM Saturday, July 25, 2015, at First United Methodist Church, 6819 Berryhill Street, Milton, Florida. Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, 3:00 PM, at First United Methodist Church followed with a reception in the Fellowship Hall. A private burial service will be held after the reception. Lewis Funeral Home, Milton, has been entrusted with arrangements. Pallbearers will be C. Robert Hilliard, Donald C. Spencer, Paul R. Green, Paul Frederick, William E. “Bubba” Bond, and Anthony Fink. Honorary pallbearers will be Jeff Miller, Roy V. Andrews, A. W. “Butch” Lindsay, J. Paul Fitzgerald, Roger Vinson and the “Coffee Crew”. As a child, Cotton saved money to purchase bricks for the new church following the fire that destroyed the church building in 1932. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Building Fund of the First United Methodist Church, 6819 Berryhill Street, Milton, Fl 32570; or to the F.S.U. Boosters, 225 University Center, Ste C-5100, Tallahassee, Fl 32306.