The Reverend Wako

Cotney

The Reverend James Wako Cotney, 79, of Newberry, died Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at White Oak Manor.

Born on November 5, 1946, in Newberry, he was a son of the late James Davis “J.D.” and Thelma Bates Cotney.

He graduated in 1964 from Mid Carolina High School and then went to North Greenville College for two years. After his studies at North Greenville he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served in the Vietnam War in the 173rd Airborne and was a combat medic. He was wounded in November of 1967 while he served in Vietnam. Pastor Wako was a member of the 173D Airborne Brigade SC Chapter 30. He was presented the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Parachutist Badge and the Combat Medical Badge.

In April of 1968 he married Frances Kleckley.

In 1972 he was able to obtain his bachelor of Nursing from the University of South Carolina. In 1975 he graduated from the Mid-Western Baptist Theological Seminary.

He began his ministry serving as pastor of Enoree Baptist Church and until the time of his death continued to share God’s word as a minister of the word. He served many churches during his career including Montmorenci Baptist Church, Central Avenue Baptist, Park Road Baptist and churches in Connecticut.

Pastor Wako was a member of Glenn Street Baptist Church.

He participated in numerous mission opportunities throughout the United States and other countries.

Pastor Wako was a member of the Reedy River Baptist Association where he had served as Director of Missions.

He had served as a nursing instructor at the Newberry Career Center. He also enjoyed a number of years as an auctioneer.

He is survived by a son, Ronald C. (Wilda) Cotney; a “daughter” and special friend, Mariannie Weinbeck; a sister, Patricia (Billy) McDonald; grandchildren, Cameron Cotney, Cody Cotney, Tiffany Goodman, Lindsey Cotney, Kristin Burris, Heather Olsen and Justin Brown; a great-granddaughter, Zoe Cotney; sisters-in-law, Nelva Kunkle, Thelma Jones, Brenda Fulmer and Amanda Maghsoud; a brother-in-law, Don Moss.

Pastor Wako was predeceased by his wife, Frances Cotney, a son, Mark Allen Cotney, a sister, Joan Moss, a brother, Terry Cotney and a great-grandson, Elijah James Cotney.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Glenn Street Baptist Church by the Rev. Keith Stott, Rev. Dr. Albert Allen and Mr. George McGill. Burial will follow in Newberry Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends following the service at the cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the 173D Airborne Brigade SC Chapter 30, c/o Wayne Bowers, 106 Cherrywood Drive, Elgin, SC 29045 or to The Freedom and Hope Foundation, 598 Hollands Landing Road, Prosperity, SC 29127.

Active pallbearers will be James McDonald, William McDonald, Jr., David Moss, Will Lever, Zachary Maghsoud, Lee Fulmer, Dale Moss and John Ryan McKinny.