William Cox, Jr. was born in Houston, Texas on June 18, 1941. Bill was the son of Marie Stevens Cox and William Cox, Sr. During World War II, Marie and Bill followed his dad to Army Air Corps bases when possible. Bill's earliest memories were of the base in Pampa. When they could not join his dad, they went to Marie's family in Thibodeau, Louisiana. Bill's younger brother Charles was born there. After the war, they returned to Houston, and Bill's sister Linda was born. Following high school, Bill joined the United States Marine Corps. After his active duty service, he returned to Beaumont and was a sergeant in the Marine Reserve unit. He married Rebecca Reddell, and they had three children, Carlene, Candice, and David. He later married Regina Babin Campbell and had another son, Gregory, and gained a step-son, Whitney Campbell. He was the owner of Golden Triangle Battery. He was an active member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church where he served many terms on the vestry and was often a delegate to the diocesan council. Bill was active in his community. He served on the board of the Palmer Drug Abuse Program, supported the Follies of the Beaumont Junior Forum and the Little League of Beaumont, was a member of the Beaumont Jay Cees, the Rotary Club of Beaumont, was a long time member of the board of the Beaumont Community Players, and served as Ward 1 City Councilman. He was active in the Prime Timers group at St. Mark's Episcopal Church. He loved to work in his yard and grew beautiful roses that he loved to share with friends. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and adorned his television with Cowboy paraphernalia prior to each game. Bill was a talented actor, dancer, and singer and gave memorable performances in the St. Stephen's Players, at Hotel Beaumont, and at family gatherings. Friends and family cherish memories of his love of life and his enthusiasm.
Surviving family includes his daughters, Carlene Conway and Candice Cox; son, David Cox and his wife Erin and their sons Reagan, Nathan, and Griffin all of Beaumont; his son, Gregory Cox of Houston; his sister, Linda Jones of Jasper and her family; and his brother Charles Cox of Beaumont and his family.
Thank you to the residents and staff of Hotel Beaumont for their friendship and the staff of College Street Healthcare and Odyssey Hospice for their care during his illness.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 20, 2006 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 4090 Delaware with burial to follow at Magnolia Cemetery, under the direction of Broussard’s, North Major Drive. A gathering of family and friends will be 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. Sunday, November 19, 2006 at the mortuary.
Memorials contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 5144, Beaumont, Texas 77726-5144, the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210, or to the charity of your choice.
