08

We have yet another sad edition of the NNHS Newsletter this morning.

Willis Cox, Class of 1945, passed away in Gloucester on Monday, August 25, 2008.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Perri, I am so sorry to hear of your Dads passing. I remember him at James Store when we went for a visit in nursing school. He was a lovely gentleman.
Jean Gilbert Midyette

—Jean Midyette

Thursday, August 28, 2008

I am so sorry to hear of the death of Mr. Cox. We met him 22 years ago when he was Postmaster at James Store and continued our friendship when seeing him at Wal Mart. He was such an interesting man who put the love of his family above all else. He was a fluent conversationalist and never failed to ask about each member of our family. He knew everyone's name, the interests of each child, and where each child was and what they did as they grew up. It was absolutely amazing. I feel blessed to have known him and he will be greatly missed by his community.

—Robin Hilling, James Store, Virginia Contact Me

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Willis was a wonderful, friendly man. We are sure he will be missed greatly. We used to live near him years ago on Burkes Pond Road and remember fondly meeting him for the first time.
You all are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time for your family.

—The Proctor Family

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Mr. Willis was such a dear, sweet man. My heart goes out to his family in this time of grief. I will keep them in my prayers.

—Kimberly Allen, Gloucester, Virginia

Our deepest sympathies are extended to the Cox family and their many friends at this difficult time.

Y'all take good care of each other! TYPHOONS FOREVER! We'll Always Have Buckroe!

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
Earth's joys grow dim; its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

Not a brief glance I beg, a passing word,
But as Thou dwell'st with Thy disciples, Lord,
Familiar, condescending, patient, free.
Come not to sojourn, but abide with me.

Come not in terrors, as the King of kings,
But kind and good, with healing in Thy wings;
Tears for all woes, a heart for every plea.
Come, Friend of sinners, thus abide with me.

Thou on my head in early youth didst smile,
And though rebellious and perverse meanwhile,
Thou hast not left me, oft as I left Thee.
On to the close, O Lord, abide with me.

I need Thy presence every passing hour.
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

		GLOUCESTER - Willis Cox died Monday, Aug. 25, 2008, in Gloucester, Va. Born in Newport News in 1927, Willis graduated from Newport News High School, attended Randolph Macon College, graduated from Christopher Newport University, and did graduate studies at Old Dominion University. He was honorably discharged from the United States Navy after serving during WWII. Willis was past owner and manger of Cox Fuel and Hardware Company, James Store General Mdse. Store and served as Postmaster until 1992. Upon retirement he enjoyed employment as a Wal-Mart greeter. He was a past member of Liberty Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, and Bible teacher. He was currently a member of Newington Baptist Church in Gloucester. As past Vice Mayor of Hampton, he served on many Hampton community boards. In Gloucester, he served on the Industrial Development Authority, the committees of the First Daffodil Festival, Street Naming, and Peasley School Architect Design. He was on the boards of directors of the Lewis B. Puller Center and the Gloucester Library.
Willis Cox

Willis authored several books, including 'Tidbits for Thought, Conversations about God ' and 'Phillips Daffodil.' He was a volunteer host on a local Gloucester TV show. Willis was recipient of the 1979 Bursary Award of the International Society of Postmasters of Geneva, Switzerland and was the 1998 Distinguished CNU Alumni. Preceding him in death was his wife, Rosemary Coates Cox, and his parents, Willis and Beulah Cox. He is survived by his daughters, Beulah E. Cox and Perri Fenstermacher; son-in-law, Scott Fenstermacher; and grandsons, Phillip and Douglas Fenstermacher. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, at Newington Baptist Church. Following the service, the family will greet friends in the fellowship hall. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Willis to a favorite charity. Andrews Funeral Home, Gloucester, Va., is in charge of arrangements. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks. Published in the Daily Press on 8/28/2008. Guest Book