Stewart E. Cottingham (Ike), 82, of Newberry, Florida passed away on April 3, 2012 of an extended illness at North Florida Regional Medical Center.He was born on January 13, 1930 in Lakeland, Florida. He spent many happy childhood years in Kathleen, Florida. He graduated from Winter Haven High School where he played baseball as an outfielder 1947-1948. He attended the University of Florida. He retired from Scotty's as a manager after 34 years of service. Ike loved quail hunting, bass fishing, playing baseball and Florida Gator football. He had a strong love for animals and would adopt any stray that came his way.He was preceded in death by his father, Buddy Cottingham, mother, Sue Cottingham, and brother, Michael Cottingham.He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Barbara Cottingham of Newberry , FL, his son, Jim Cottingham (Theresa) of Bland, FL, his daughter, Susan Trostad (Jeff) of Dallas, GA and his uncle, Yancey Sweet of Newberry, FL, his aunt, Mary Lavas of Torrance, CA, step-daughter, Genene Croy (Michael) of High Springs, FL, grandchildren, Jacob Dupree, Jenna Cottingham, Jacey Cottingham and step-grandchildren, Austin Croy and Kristin Croy adn Nora Cottingham, the mother of his children.A Celebration of Ike's Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, April 6, 2012 at Forest Meadows Funeral Home Chapel, 725 NW 23rd Ave. with Reverend James Richardson, Pastor of Spring Hill United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will follow at High Springs Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 5, 2012 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Forest Meadows Funeral Home.The family requests donations be made to Newberry Methodist Church Building Fund or Spring Hill UMC Bldg Fund and Alachua County Animal Services in lieu of flowers. Funeral Home Forest Meadows Funeral Home 725 NW 23rd Avenue Gainsville FL - 32609 US 352-378-2528