William R. "Bill" Cox

William R. “Bill” Cox passed away on August 10th 2009. His birthday was the same month and day as his great-grandfather William Cox jr.—with 105-years of separation. Bill—the second son of Lawrence K and Georgian W Cox—was born on Sept. 1st 1937 in Adrian MI. Bill—his Mom and brothers lived with his Grandparents over several years while his Dad served in WW-II. Bill often reminisced about meeting his Dad—all over again—one afternoon at the Adrian train station, on his return back home from the service. Bill was preceded in death by his son Douglas, Father, Mother and older Brother Larry—Bill is survived by daughter Beth Britten of Grand Rapids, her sons Mitchell, a Marine, soon to deploy overseas and Josh who seemingly also carries Bill’s great love for animals. Another daughter Kathy Fischer and husband Marty live in Fl. A brother Charles lives in MI. Bill is also survived by his wife Lillian. Bill spent 47-years in Adrian MI attending local schools and graduating from Adrian College. In the 1950’s Bill endured rheumatic fever and spent several years of recuperation on his back—being home-schooled by his Mom. When his health improved, Bill enjoyed golf and fishing trips with his Dad, uncles, brothers, nephews and friends. Bill’s was a longtime member of the Adrian Kiwanis Club—thoroughly committed to community civic events, a style inherited from his father who was the Charter President of Adrian Kiwanis. Bill owned a Family shoe-store on Main St. Over his life, Bill maintained a love of Univ of Michigan football and Detroit Red Wing ice hockey, and always proudly spoke of his 47-years of Adrian heritage. Bill retired in the 1980’s and moved to FL—but unable to take pleasure in retirement—he studied and earned his FL real estate license. Bill became well read on Yankeetown FL history—and based on his community civic efforts of Adrian—he spent several years on the Yankeetown village council. When Yankeetown “culture” became vulnerable to larger business interests, Bill became active in the “Save Yankeetown” movement to support controlled growth—Bill leaves many friends throughout the Yankeetown area. An Adrian Memorial service will be held at Wagley Funeral Home on September 11th at 2:00pm with a private family service at Oakwood Cemetery. You may also sign the register book or send condolences at www.wagleyfuneralhome.com. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of his Mother-Georgian W. Cox to: Genesys Hospice Care Center, 7280-S. State Rd, Goodrich, MI. 48438. Envelopes are available at the Wagley Funeral Home.

William R. "Bill" Cox

September 1, 1937 - August 10, 2009