W.D. "Cotton" Soape 95, of Carthage, TX, passed away on Thursday evening, April 9, 2020, in Carthage. He was born on March 25, 1925, in Oakwood, Leon County, TX to the late William Ruben and Eva Mae Choate Soape. Cotton served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII and was honorably discharged. He married Juanita Faye Oglesby Collins on May 30, 1973, in Carthage and she preceded him in death on Feb. 2, 2016. Cotton was never without a job and spent most of his lifetime working more than one job at a time. He worked as a bulldozer operator in pipeline, oil field, and general construction. He owned and operated East Texas Mobile Home Sales. Cotton worked for Erso, Inc., retiring as plant operator after 36 years. After retirement, Cotton worked in catering for Joe's Café and The Catfish Place. Later he was a driver for Panola Auto Sales and Excel Ford. In his early years, Cotton served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher at Southside Baptist Church, where he was a founding member. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 43 years, Juanita; daughter, Patricia Soape Bohler; son, Steve Soape; brothers, A.D., J.C., L.C. and R.E. Soape; step-daughters, Jeanette "Cody" Collins Siler and Vicki Lynn Collins; and son-in-law, John Ruso.

Mr. Soape is survived by his step-daughters, Margaret Ruso of Deadwood, Myrita Kruebbe and husband Jimmy of Antioch, and Kim Davis and husband Daniel of Antioch; grandchildren, Anissa Pride, Dustin Ruso and wife Gena, Heather Kruebbe-Hollenshead and husband Trey, Ryan Kruebbe and wife Nena, Chelsey Lawhorn and husband Clint, Kaylee Davis, Kellan Davis, Rebekah Soape, Sarah Soape, and Rachel Jones; great-grandchildren, Rope Pride and wife Shelby, Rider Pride and wife Carson, Savannah Pride, Aly, Haileigh and Jaxon Ruso, Shelby, Cassidy, and Blake Soape, Rodie and Colt Lawhorn, Parris Kruebbe, Avery Christen, Destiny Devine and husband Matt, and Chance Caskey; and great-great-grandchildren, Londynn, Denver, Dalli, Dutton, and Lilliana. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many friends also survive Mr. Soape.

The family would like to thank the staff at Marian Place and Heart's Way Hospice for their special love and care. Your kindness and dedication have meant more than we could ever put into words. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

A family graveside service with Military Honors will be held at Restland Memorial Park with Rev. Steve Jackson officiating under the direction of Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home. A come and go viewing will be held from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Monday, April 13, 2020, at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home Chapel.

Grandsons and great-grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.