William Ulysses “Junior” Cox, 98, of Grafton, passed away at the Taylor Health Care Center in Grafton on Friday, July 19, 2024.
He was born on May 26, 1926, in Grafton, but soon moved with his parents to their farm on York’s Run in Preston County. He was the son of Ulysses Sheridan and Hazel Wolfe Cox.
Bill is survived by his wife, Sarah Belle Kirby Cox. They were married on May 30, 1954, at the Nazarene Church in the community of Park View.
Bill was a graduate of Fellowsville High School, class of 1943, where algebra was his favorite subject. Straight out of high school, Bill was called to serve his country in WWII. He served in the Army in the Pacific Theatre, receiving multiple decorations and citations. They were as follows: an Asiatic Pacific Service ribbon with one Bronze Service Star, a Philippine Liberation Service Ribbon with one Bronze Service Star, Meritorious Unit Award G O # 98 31, March 1945, World War II Victory Medal Occupational Medal Japan.
Once home from Japan, Bill began his career as an employee of Musgrove’s Wholesale Grocery and worked his way up to being their sales representative for Taylor and the surrounding counties. He enjoyed being the fellow who stopped at small grocery stores and restaurants to take their orders. He made many good friends on his route, and he especially enjoyed his visits to Colasessano’s Restaurant in Fairmont, where he was always fed lunch. He was employed by Builder’s Service and Supply of Grafton, WV and became a familiar face to all who stopped there. Bill took pleasure in assisting customers as well as taking part in buying trips for the store. He often spoke of contactors seeking him for help because he knew the stock and could guide them to just what was needed.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Grafton for many years, serving as a deacon. During the building of their new church, he donated many hours of his time helping with the finishing work. This was a labor of love and time spent with good friends. In later years he became a member of the Beulah Baptist Church until his health made it difficult for him to attend.
Bill was a long- time volunteer for the Boys Scouts of America. He served with a close friend, Fred Queen, as a scout master of the local troop and also served on the Scout Board of Directors. Bill received the Silver Beaver Award, which was the highest award given to scout masters. He and Fred had lots of adventures while influencing the lives of many young men.
Bill and his friend, Tim Gerkin, were part of a hot air balloon crew. During their time on balloon chase crew, they traveled to the International Balloon Festival in Albuquerque, N.M. and flew what is called the “box.” His “balloon” days were among Bill’s favorite memories. He spoke of them often. And of course, Bill and Tim were the guys to call when something at the church or parsonage needed fixed.
Another dream realized was a trip out west with his cousin, Lewis Wolfe and Lewis’s wife, Wilma. Bill, Sarah, Lewis and Wilma spent a month traveling through “cowboy country.”
Bill took the best care of his family’s farm. He always said that the big meadow there was his favorite place on earth. During his retirement, Bill took up woodworking and built many beautiful things for his family and friends.
In addition to his wife, Bill is survived by two daughters, Susan Domico and Jennifer Jenkins; and one son, Paul Cox (Cheryl), of Charleston; six grandchildren, J. Matthew Domico, Daniel (Tonya) Stevens, Chey Jenkins, Ryan Cox, Liam Cox and Owen Cox; and three great-grandchildren, Dean, Mila and Jackson. He is survived by his brother-in-law, Don Kirby, of Park View.
In addition to his parents, Bill is preceded in death by one son, Carl William Cox.
A private military graveside service was held at the West Virginia National Cemetery with Chaplain Randy Jennings officiating. Full military honors were accorded by the Taylor County Honor Guard and the U.S. Army Honor Guard.
If you would like to honor Bill’s memory, the family requests that you make a donation to your favorite charity.
The Bartlett Funeral Home is honored to serve the Cox family.
Condolences:
www.bartlettfuneralhomewv.com
