Raymond Cottrell, Sr. - Founder of Ray's Ford
270-422-4901
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raysford@bbtel.com
The Legacy of Our Founder, CSM Ray Cottrell Sr.
The story of Ray’s Ford begins with a lifetime of profound service, deep love, and a man who dedicated himself fully to everything he touched. Growing up in Richmond, Virginia, Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Ray Cottrell Sr. answered the call to serve his country while still just a boy. His remarkable military journey took him across the globe, where he bravely made beachheads during the Korean War and completed two dedicated tours of duty in Vietnam. Eventually, the Army stationed Ray at Fort Knox. It didn’t take long for him to fall completely in love with the warmth and beauty of the local community, choosing this area to plant his roots and build a beautiful, permanent home for his family.
In 1979, Ray turned his lifelong dream into reality by opening Ray’s Ford in Brandenburg, Kentucky, right alongside his beloved son, Ray Jr. For Ray, this was never just a car dealership; it was an extension of his own living room. He poured his heart into the business, always priding himself on treating every single employee and customer like an extension of his own family. That profound love for people was anchored by his devotion to his wonderful wife, Lovell, and the beautiful family they built together, including their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who brought him endless joy. Ray’s passion for serving others extended far beyond the walls of the dealership. He was a deeply trusted pillar of the community, generously sharing his time and wisdom with the Kentucky Motor Vehicle Commission, the Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, KADA, NADA, and his cherished church family at Vine Grove Baptist Church.
While Ray is no longer with us today, he remains forever alive in our hearts, and his incredible spirit guides everything we do. We miss him dearly, but we honor his memory by keeping Ray's Ford run like a true family, rather than just a business. Ray started this journey with three simple, heartfelt ideals that remain just as sacred to us today as they were back in 1979: to treat absolutely everyone like family, to proudly represent the very best products available, and to continuously strive for perfection in every corner of our business so that our customers always feel valued, respected, and truly cared for.