Billy Jack Cottingham, of Dallas, Texas, age 82, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 with family by his side.Billy was born in La Feria, Texas on May 14, 1938 to James Pipkin Cottingham and Birdie Kelly Cottingham. He attended McAllen High School and graduated from St. Marys University in San Antonio, Texas. Billy was a member of the U.S. Army National Reserve.He married the love of his life, Annie Pollok on February 9, 1963 in San Antonio, Texas. They were happily married for 57 years, with Billy often joking that Anne deserves a medal of honor for putting up with me.Billy taught grade school while putting himself through college. He moved his young family to Dallas in 1967 to continue an insurance career that ultimately evolved into owning an independent insurance agency. Cottingham, Smith & Associates thrived for over 25 years with his long-time business partner and best friend, Jack Smith. Later in life, Billy worked in the mortgage industry and for FEMA, which combined his love of helping people while using his Spanish language fluency.Billy loved playing golf at Brookhaven Country Club, where he was a member for many years. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and sharing the great outdoors with the younger generation. His many other interests included singing, reading, writing two books and being a student of World War II history, as well as having many guests for cookouts (which usually included his famous smoked brisket and homemade BBQ sauce). He was genuinely interested in the wellbeing of others, calling and visiting on a regular basis. Being with his grandchildren and supporting their school and athletic activities gave Billy his greatest joy. He was always the first one in the stands and never missed a game.Billy is survived by his wife, Annie, son John Cottingham and wife Melodie, daughter Elizabeth Schneider and husband Scott, and his beloved grandchildren, Margot and Bowen (Bo) Schneider. He is also survived by sisters, Bee Bee Palmer and Georgia Needham and her husband Robert, as well as extended family including many brothers and sisters in-law, cousins, nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Betty Jean Miller, and brother, TR Cottingham.A funeral mass will be held at 1:00pm on November 23, 2020 at St. Rita Catholic Church, 12521 Inwood Road, Dallas, TX 75244. Masks mandatory and social distancing seating will be required. The service will be available via live stream https://youtu.be/PgX5kK2KYKY for those unable to attend. A private family interment will be held at a later date.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas or Ursuline Academy of Dallas, TX in honor of Billy.Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website.