April 29, 2011

William Melvin “Bill” Cox, 81, passed away April 29, 2011, in Florida.

Bill was born in Gloversville, N.Y., on March 29, 1930, the son of Melvin and Albina Cox. He was a graduate of M.I.T. with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering. In 1951, Bill married Virginia Blair of Suffolk, Va., and worked for Curtis Wright in New Jersey.

After three years, they moved back to Gloversville, and Bill worked with his father in the leather industry. In 1972, Bill and his family moved to Longwood, Fla., where he started Cox Corporation, a custom home building company. His son, Bill Jr., joined him in the business in 1978 and Cox Corporation continues on today. Bill retired in the mid ‘90s, but he and Jenny remained as directors of the company.

Bill is survived by his wife, Jenny; three children, Kim, Bill and Jeff; five grandchildren, Jennifer, Courtney, Blair, Owen and Jonathan; and two great-grandchildren, Isabella and Carly.

Bill’s passions in life were his faith and his family. He actively enjoyed tennis, golf, snow and water skiing, and walking by the ocean at New Smyrna Beach, Fla.

Funeral services will be held at R.W. Baker & Company Funeral Home and Crematory, 509 W. Washington St., on Saturday, May 7, 2011, at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Holly Lawn Cemetery in Suffolk. The family will receive relatives and friends Friday, May 6 between 6 and 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Condolences may be registered at www.rwbakerfh.com.