Billy Joe Cox, Sr., age 70, of Hamden, passed away Monday morning, February 9, 2015 at his home. He was born September 4, 1944 in Campton, Kentucky to Maurice and Rosie Peck Cox.
Billy was retired from General Motors, where he was employed for 30 years as a welder. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Wellston; a 50-year Mason and member of the Orphans Friends Lodge #0275 F&AM of Wilkesville; a detachment Son of the American Legion; former eighth district commander of the Sons of the American Legion; member of the V.F.W. Men’s Auxiliary Post 9092; member of the Squadron Post 371 of Wellston Sons of the American Legion; member of the D.A.V. Auxiliary Jackson County Chapter 45; former logistics head for the Jackson and Vinton County Red Cross; and an avid Harley Davidson motorcycle rider.
Billy is survived by his mother, Rosie Cox of New Lebanon; his wife of 21 years, Cheryl Jewell Cox; children, Billy Joe Cox, Jr. of Hamilton, Jenny Springer of Chillicothe and Jason Cox of Germantown; step-children, Michelle Bethel of Paris, Kentucky and Carl Bethel IV of Hamden; brother, Jack Cox of Germantown; sister, Judy Cox Murphy of Middletown, as well as several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Maurice Cox and his brother, James Cox.
Calling hours will be Saturday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston, where a Masonic service will be held at 6 p.m. A celebration of life service will begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday with John Pelletier, CLP officiating. In keeping with Billy’s wishes, cremation will follow the service and burial will be in the Hamden Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be given in Billy’s name to the First Presbyterian Church, 18 South Pennsylvania Avenue, Wellston, Ohio 45692. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com