Bill Cox

Bill Cox, 80, of Hot Springs died Wednesday February 6, 2013. Bill was a beloved father, and grandfather. He was born April 9, 1932 in Wewoka, Okla., and was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Jerry Jean Cox, son, William Thomas Cox, Jr., father Aaron Thomas Cox and mother Ethel Vermele Crawford. Mr. Cox graduated from Mena High School, and joined the United States Army and was a decorated Korean War Veteran. He returned to Norman, OK to attend the University of Oklahoma. Mr. Cox continued his service with the Arkansas National Guard and retired as a Lt. Col. Upon his retirement he moved to Hot Springs, Arkansas and spent the last 25 years as an active volunteer who sought to give back to the community. Mr. Cox dedicated much energy and passion to various charitable and service organizations. These included: Hot Springs Lion's Club; Military Officers Association; a Knighted member of the Sovereign Military Order of The Temple of Jerusalem (Priory of St. Louis the Crusader); served as President of the Arkansas Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and as a National Trustee. He also served on several boards in the Hot Springs community one of which provided assistance for the completion of the Hot Springs Veterans Memorial. Mr. Cox was an active member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church where he enjoyed fellowship by attending services regularly and contributed his insights with bible study groups. Mr. Cox enjoyed many social activities with his friends and family and you could always find him in the community at weekly dinner gatherings. Mr. Cox had a love of history and was sought out nationwide for his in-depth knowledge to research genealogy. Many of his vacation getaways were missions to discover and document lost and forgotten family ancestors. Mr. Cox adored his seven grandchildren and many of his conversation with friends centered around the educational and social lives of his grandchildren. Mr. Cox is survived by his children, Gerald D. of Merriam, Kan., Major Maurice Brent (Ret) and wife Debbie of Williamsburg, Va., Malcolm Trent and wife Mary Beth of North Little Rock; a daughter Karen Gosser and husband Bruce of Chesterfield, Mo., and seven grandchildren, Joshua and Kaitlyn Kapraun of Chesterfield, Mo., Charity and Chole Cox of North Little Rock, & Christian, Dylan and Eric Cox of Williamsburg, Va. Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Luke's Episcopal Church with Rev. C.B. Baker officiating. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorials in his memory be made to St. Luke's Episcopal Church or the Sons of the American Revolution. Guests may register at www.caruth-hale.com.