William Cox Obituary

William Henry Cox, a native of Speight's Bridge Township in Greene Co. NC. He was born May 26, 1941 the son of the late Myrtle Lee Jones and Robert Alton Cox. He died at his home in Wilson on February 14, 2025. He was predeceased by his sister, Ann Cox Morgan, brother, Robert A. Cox, Jr. and daughter-in-law Robyn Weinstein.

Henry was a devout Christian and longtime member of the Christian Church. (Disciples of Christ)

Henry attended Walstonburg School, graduating in the Class of 1959, followed by Atlantic Christian College. He majored in history and physical education, ran cross country and was manager of the Bull Dog basketball team.

Upon graduation Henry taught and coached basketball, football and track in the public schools of Bertie, Chowan and Onslow Counties.

Having grown up on a tobacco farm in Greene County with the love of the outdoors he missed farming. In 1975 he joined the ownership of New River Nursery in Onslow County, enjoying the propagation and marketing of seasonal floral plants. He later supervised landscape maintenance on the Marine Corp Bases at Camp LeJeune and Cherry Point through Coastal Enterprises of Onslow.

A true Southern gentleman, Henry enjoyed history, genealogy and sports but his first love was his family. He met his wife, Edith Ann Mallard, on a blind date in Williamston where she was Extension Home Economist.

Henry and Edie recently celebrated sixty years of marriage and are parents of two sons, William Henry "Hank", Jr. and Clinton Jason (wife Patricia). He was "Granddaddy" or "Pop Pop" to six well-loved grandchildren who he endulged and spoiled: Garrison, Christopher, Elizabeth, Grace, John Henry and Will. He was a great story-teller always with the subject of ghosts or newly invented characters.

Henry's love of family and history also led him to membership in the Order of First Families of North Carolina, The Jamestowne Society, Order of Descendants of Ancient Planters (serving as National President), and Sons of the American Revolution.

Honorary pallbearers will be Garrison Cox, Christopher Cox, John Henry Cox, William Cox, Chris Glover and Noland Whicker.

Services will be grave-side at 2 pm in the Burgaw Cemetery on February 18 , followed by visitation with family in the Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall at 200 East Fremont Street in Burgaw.

Flowers are welcome and memorial donations may be made to HV3 Foundation, 160 Cone Circle, Southern Pines, NC, which provides opportunities for youth participation in sports; or The National Kidney Foundation (google address.)

Shared memories and condolences can be sent to the family at www.harrellsfh.com

A service of Harrell's Funeral Home and Cremation Service.