William J. "Bill" Cox, Jr.

   William J. “Bill” Cox, Jr., 81, peacefully left his earthly body for his Heavenly eternal spirit on Thursday, August 11, at Reid Health in Richmond, Indiana. He was surrounded by many friends, family and loved ones leading to the hours of his passing with an excitement to meet his Heavenly Father and his wife, son and those who proceeded before him.

   Bill was born on May 30, 1941 in Cincinnati, Ohio to William J, Sr. and Betty L. Doty Cox. He adored his parents throughout his life and had many fond memories of childhood.

   Bill was a graduate of Webster High School. He enjoyed a career in management with Dana Corp. He created many life-long friendships during his time there, always with his wit and unforgettable charm. With a love for fishing, wide-open spaces, lakes and a sense of adventure, he and the love of his life, Cathy, relocated to Russellville, Arkansas, where he retired before returning to Richmond in 2008.There was no place like home for Bill.

   Bill was a Deacon and faithful member of Whitewater Christian Church. He was always willing to help others and enjoyed spending time with family, friends and connecting with others. He never met a stranger. Bill grew up playing basketball, hunting and found the love of sports. He attended Richmond High School games and followed the Cincinnati Reds; he loved playing golf before he discovered Bass fishing.

   Bill fished like the best of them (his fish stories were true, as Bill never told a lie); He enjoyed helping with BASS tournaments in Arkansas, where he could be found chauffeuring camera operators on his boat. He was a member of the local BASS chapter.

   He never hung up his fishing pole, but at times he traded his day job of catching the big fish for his night job as an expert dancer and karaoke singer. As Bill always did—he stayed connected, not just with his family, but with friends as well. You could find him at his “Friday Breakfast Club” at Frisch’s Big Boy each week—figuring out the world as a collective group.

   Bill will be missed by his son, Chris, and his wife, Karen Cox; 5 grandchildren, Shelly Owens and husband, Brad, Christina Day and husband, Aaron; Michael Horton, Daniel Cox and wife, Abby, and Nate Cox; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Kathy Cox and husband, Dennis; brother, James Cox and Rosie; nieces, nephews and his beloved Yorkie, Bridget.

   Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 58 years, Cathy Rodandello Cox; and son, Nicholas L. Cox.

   Family and friends may gather for visitation from 3-6 p.m. on Sunday, August 14 at the Smith-McQuiston & Webster Funeral Home, 321 US 27 South in Fountain City.

   A funeral ceremony will be conducted by Pastor Randy Nash at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 15 at Whitewater Christian Church, 7918 North State Road 227 in Whitewater. Entombment will follow in the Earlham Cemetery Mausoleum.

   Memorial contributions are welcome for Whitewater Christian Church, 7918 North State Road 227, Richmond, IN 47374 or Operation Restored Warrior, 6660 Delmonico Drive, Suite D, Box 477, Colorado Springs, CO 80919 or online at https://newhorizonsfoundation.com/projectsdonate/51-operation-restored-warrior/backing.