"We are proud to be able to honor Lt. General O.R. Cotton Whiddon name with the dedication of US Highway 84 from this point to the state line. A small road in a small East Texas town. Lt. General Orren Ray Cotton Whiddon proved that with hard work and dedication, you can begin a journey in a small town like Joaquin and follow the roads to carry you all over the world..."
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Portion of Highway 84 in Joaquin renamed after Lt. General O.R. "Cotton" Whiddon
On Friday, September 1, the City of Joaquin held an event to honor the renaming of a portion of the United States Highway 84 in Joaquin between the Sabine River Bridge and Crystal Lake as the "LT. General O.R. 'Cotton' Whiddon Memorial Highway."
Lt. General O.R. "Cotton" Whiddon was born in Joaquin and served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1990. He served two tours in Vietnam, as well as serving as Commanding General of Second U.S. Army and Commanding General of the 8th Infantry Division.
Lt. General O.R. "Cotton" Whiddon was decorated and awarded many times including, but not limited to, a Distinguished Service Medal, with two oak leaf clusters, Legion of Merit, with three oak leaf clusters and Bronze Star, with two oak leaf clusters. He also served on several boards and otherwise served as a part of many civic, non-profit and religious organizations.
The City of Joaquin wishes to honor Lt. General O.R "Cotton" Whiddon for his varied public service, deep and apparent commitment to the County and the state of Texas.
Present at the declaration of the highway was State Senator of Texas District 3 Robert Nichols, Mayor of Joaquin Jessie Griffith, Mayor Pro Tem Cathy Atkinson, Council members Barbara Pridgen, Sam Watts, Steve Cockrell and Mike Cummings Jr.
At the unveiling of the new highway sign, Mayor of Joaquin Jessie Griffith said, "Lt. General Whiddon holds a special place in all of our hearts. He played an important role in our small town and our country. He served his country with great pride and honor. Even after he retired, he loved and invested his time to help communities and individuals."
Also present was Lt. General Orren Ray (Cotton) Whiddon's wife Harriet Whiddon, sister Susan Whiddon, daughters Laura Whiddon Shortell and husband Joe Ross Stutts and Barbara Whiddon Chandler. Cousins Steve and Joyce Cockrell, Carolyn Cockrell Daw, Rosie Olenik Deskin and Lessie Olenik.
"We are proud to be able to honor Lt. General O.R. Cotton Whiddon name with the dedication of US Highway 84 from this point to the state line. A small road in a small East Texas town. Lt. General Orren Ray Cotton Whiddon proved that with hard work and dedication, you can begin a journey in a small town like Joaquin and follow the roads to carry you all over the world," he said.
"It is with great honor that we unveil this sign dedicating this section of Highway 84 from this point near the iconic Crystal Lake to the Sabine River bridge to Lt. General Orren Ray "Cotton" Whiddon."
