William Cleveland (W.C.) Cox, Jr.: Tabor City

    William Cleveland Cox, Jr. or “W.C.” of Tabor City passed away peacefully at his home Thursday, Feb. 26, surrounded by his family. He was 85.
    He was preceded in death by his parents, William Cleveland Cox, Sr., and Delphine Elizabeth Cox, and seven sisters, Mabel Gore, Myrtle Lane, Carmel Gore, Annie Laurie Willard, Dorothy Skipper, Virginia Bryant and Margueritte Hardwick. ??He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Wilhelmina Smith Cox; two children, Linda Cox McFadyen and husband Duncan of Wilmington, and William Cleveland Cox, III, and wife Gayle of Tabor City; four grandchildren, Cally Cox Markovsky, Duncan McFadyen, II, of Charlotte, William Cleveland Cox, IV, and wife Jenna of North Myrtle Beach, and Tavis McFadyen of Wilmington; two great grandchildren, Ella Claire Markovsky and Anna Sophia Markovsky; four sisters, Louise Brockman, Nina Lane, Roena Vaught and Carolyn Pollock.
    W.C. grew up in the Dothan community of Columbus County as the only son of 12 children.  He developed a love of aviation at a young age and earned his pilot’s license while in high school.  He later became a certified flight instructor and taught many to fly including his son William, who as a young child, used to sit on his lap and fly.
    In 1953, he built an airfield on his parent’s farm in Dothan where he freely gave airplane rides to anyone who expressed an interest. Cox Field is still active today. W.C. was a very kind and compassionate person and was known to help those in the community any way he could.
    Widely recognized as a master mechanic, both aircraft and automotive, and utilizing his mechanical skills, he often would buy neglected airplanes, refurbish and fly them. Sunday afternoon family outings were often in an airplane, not a car. He also loved music and enjoyed playing the guitar.
    He was a long time member of Olyphic Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon for many years.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28 in the Olyphic Baptist Church, Tabor City. Burial followed in the church cemetery.
    A guest register is available here.