William Vernon Cox

Of Clio, age 93, died Friday, April 26, 2013, at Cranberry Park Assisted Living. Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11:00 am, Monday, April 29, 2013, at the St. Mary Catholic Church in Mt. Morris. Rev. Fr. Thomas Nenneau will officiate with burial to follow in Calvary Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm. On Monday, Bill will be taken to church to lie in state from 10:00 am until time of Funeral Mass at 11:00 am. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church. Envelopes are available at the funeral home and church. Bill was born February 27, 1920, in Knott, Texas, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Melinda (Barker) Cox. Bill proudly served his country in the US Navy on a small, wooden minesweeper (YMS 356) in the Invasion of Normandy. He and Ruth Purcell were united in marriage July 9, 1945. Bill worked as a engineer for CSX Railroad for over 40 years. He was a member of the American Legion # 310 and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. Left to cherish his memory are Alana Thurman, Alan Cox, William and wife, Julieanne Cox, Thomas Cox, Faye Lee; 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and many nieces; nephews; and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ruth; two sons, John and Francis; daughter, Nora; daughter-in-law, Rita; and grandson, Mark Doyle.