Billy Lee Cox, 67, of Pleasant Hope, went home to be with His Lord and Savior on September 2, 2023. Bill was born at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, MO on December 18, 1955. Bill was preceded in death by his stepdad Max Weaver; his in-laws, Moncey & Joan Skidmore; his best friends, Kenny & Sammy Sutherland; his grandparents: Jack and Lorene Barclay; Mary Weaver; and Jim and Esther Collard. Bill is survived by his wife of 39 years, Judy (Skidmore) Cox; his children, Dustin Wayne Cox & Whitney Leigh Cox; his mother, Helen Weaver; his father Ed Cox (Judy); sister Sherry Carney (Mike); and brother-in-laws Paul Skidmore (Kathy); Cliff Skidmore (Lesha); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends..

Bill’s early education began in Joplin, MO; he later attended high school in Linn, MO, Glendale HS in Springfield; and finally graduated from Farmington High School in 1973. He went on to attend Mineral Area College in Flat River, MO, where he graduated with his associates degree. He then went on to Southwest Missouri State for two years. While in school, Bill enjoyed taking part in baseball, track, the golf team and played slowpitch in his later years.

Bill went on to work for United Parcel Service in 1975. He was a dedicated and hard-working employee for 38 years before retiring. He then focused on his love for the outdoors and landscaping by working at Hickory Hills Golf Course and later Evangel University. Bill kept a meticulous lawn not only at his home but also at the homes of his parents. He also found time to serve his family by being the groundskeeper of Olive Freewill Cemetery. Anyone who knew Bill knew he loved his mowing.

Bill was a supportive, loving, and doting husband and father. Bill and Judy shared a love of their beach trips and going on adventures with both their children and their friends. Bill never shied away from helping Judy with whatever she needed, whether that was a garage sale, gardening and canning, family hayrides, ice cream socials, working on a new house projects for her or Dustin or anything else she volunteered him for. Bill supported his children in their endeavors as well. He helped them with their FFA projects, attended many sporting events, helped with their careers, always was their soundboard and got to work on fun DIY house projects with Dustin. Bill always enjoyed time with his kids at the lake and making memories. He also enjoyed farming with his family.

Bill was saved at an early age and was a faithful member of Brighton Highway Assembly of God for 23 years. Bill was always on alert serving at church on the security team and being an usher. There wasn’t much at church Bill didn’t have his hand in (other than preaching). He even served the Day Care and was in charge of maintenance at Brighton Beginnings Day Care. He has helped serve in many different roles and will be greatly missed.

Bill was a man of many talents and rarely ever sat down or took a break from anything. He seemed to always have limitless energy. Bill was an avid “lefty” golfer who probably could’ve played pro. He had the gift of helping others develop a love of the sport and improve their game. He was always the person you wanted on your team for any golf tournament–he was the ace. Bill also loved to hunt and fish. At family gatherings, he was quick to show photos of the “one” he planned on taking down during the season.

There is a void in our lives that can’t possibly be filled by anyone other than Bill Cox or “Uncle Bill” as affectionately called by many. His love and dedication for those he came in contact with is unmatched in today’s world for sure.

Visitation will be held Friday, September 8 from 5-7 pm and funeral service Saturday, September 9 at 10 AM at Greenlawn East, with burial following in Olive Freewill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that memorial contributions may be made out to Olive Freewill Cemetery. Please make out your donations to Olive Freewill Chapel and send to Ethel Fisher at 2445 Highway 215 Buffalo, MO 65622