All who knew LT. General O.R. “Cotton” Whiddon knew him to be a great man. Now, all future generations will be reminded of his legacy as they travel a stretch of highway renamed for the veteran in Joaquin, between the Sabine River Bridge and Crystal Lake.
Joaquin was the General’s birthplace and hometown. As a young man, Whiddon would leave his small hometown to join the US Army where he would go on to become a decorated General. However, as his career took him all over the world, his hometown was never far from his heart. He continued to serve the county and surrounding area by investing his time and passion into improving the community in a multitude of ways.
At the unveiling of the newly named highway, Mayor of Joaquin, Jessie Griffith shared, “We are proud to be able to honor Lt. General O.R. Cotton Whiddon’s name with the dedication of US Highway 84 from this point to the state line. 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.”
Whiddon and his wife, Harriet, eventually moved to the Lufkin area where they played a major role in the development of PineCrest. Harriett still resides at the community and was a proud attendee of the unveiling in her husband’s honor.
.png)
