Willard “Bill” Thomas Cox: Ocean Isle Beach

1932 – 2025

     Willard “Bill” Thomas Cox of Ocean Isle Beach died March 7. He was 93.

     Born in Columbus County on Jan. 26, 1932, he was a son of Dupree Deloach Cox and Emma Cloteal Hardwick Cox.

     In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Jean Elizabeth McQueen Cox; a sister, Frances Hardee; one brother, Joe D. Cox; and son-in-law Lee Morgan.

     Surviving are his son, Michael T. Cox (Gerri); daughters, Melinda Howell (Tony) and Rhonda Morgan; sisters-in law Jane Cox, Mary Brogdon, and Jayne McQueen; grandchildren Matt (Tess), Meredith (Brett), Shelby (Michael) and Brian (Kelli); great grandchildren Marleigh, Thomas, Scarlett, Olivia, Lainey and two more on the way.

     Bill graduated from Tabor City High School and earned a BA in History from Wake Forest University. He attended Wake Forest School of Law, and he earned a Master’s Degree in Education, from East Carolina University.

     After his service with the U.S. Army, Bill returned to Columbus County to marry the love of his life, Jean MacQueen and they started a family. Bill had aa great love for education, and he started his career as a teacher at Old Dock School in Columbus County. He moved his family to Wilmington in 1960 where he taught history at New Hanover High School and served as Assistant Principal at Tileston School. He then moved to Southport and served as Principal at Southport High School.

     During his tenure as principal, a business opportunity presented and he entered the private sector as a salesman for Curtis Publishing and Sunland Plans, traveling to schools and libraries in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. In 1974 he founded Cox Subscriptions Inc, doing business as WT Cox Information Services, a library services company that recently celebrated a 50 year anniversary.

     Bill always enjoyed being outdoors. He loved to play golf with friends and family and he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He looked forward to every family gathering and loved all of his family. His curiosity and love of learning kept him reading and studying and he had a particular interest in history, astronomy and science.

     In his last years, Bill was fortunate to have excellent care givers Linda Smith and Glena Moses and the ladies on the staff of Heartful Hearts. The family would like to thank these caregivers and the caregivers of Lower Cape Fear Hospice.

     Funeral services were planned for 3 p.m. Thursday, March 13, at Brunswick Funeral Service, Shallotte Chapel, by The Rev. Brad Ferguson, interment following in Brunswick Memorial Gardens.

     Family planned to receive friends during the hour preceding services at the funeral home.

     Memorials may be directed to New Beginnings Community Church, 730 Whiteville Road, NW, Shallotte, NC 28470.

     Sign a guest register here.