Billy Gene Cox, 87, of Cabot, Arkansas, known commonly as Bill and affectionately as Pepaw, passed away peacefully in his sleep while at home, on July 13, 2024. Born on December 31, 1936, in Keo, he was the son of the late Horace C. Cox of Keo and Annie Bell Barnett-Cox of Dardanelle. Bill was the 11th of 12 children.

Bill married his beloved wife, Jackie Sue Lute, on April 1, 1957. This year, they celebrated 67 years in matrimony. Together, they raised two children: Darrell Gene and Beverly Ann Cox. With his son, Bill shared his love for football, trout fishing, and hunting. His knowledge and admiration for boats and being on the water was something he shared and passed on to his daughter. Bill was a devoted husband and father, and his family was the cornerstone of his life. Bill worked for Timex Corp. and retired after more than 30 years of employment.  ‍

An avid admirer of Westerns and Andy Griffith, Bill also enjoyed the outdoors. Among his favorite pastimes were fishing, hunting, or gardening. If he was at home and wasn't tending to the yard or his vegetable garden, he more than likely was in the building where his ingenuity and creativity flourished. He was known for his humor, firm hand, and abundant love for his children and grandchildren. Bill was a man of many talents, particularly for storytelling, singing, and his 'magic'. His morning breakfasts, whether at home or in the deer-woods were legendary, especially his deer meat and biscuits and gravy. When it came to a quick bite, he always had a taste for a sausage biscuit with grape jelly, a Big Breakfast, or a chili cheese coney. He had quite the sweet tooth for Shipley's Donuts and ice cream, too. Bill cherished the time spent with all the kids in the family while encouraging and sparking their imagination. He would pull candy out of ears, make things disappear, play hide and seek, and always looked for opportunities to be outside. From historical monuments, parks, city pools or swimming lakes, to fishing, shooting, or going to England with the three/four-wheelers, Bill was a present and engaged father and grandfather. Famous for his ghost stories, such as 'Sam and Roger' and 'Peggy and Helen', he got a kick out of a playful fright. Woodworking was a genuine hobby for him, and for three generations, Bill personally gave each child their own unique experience and lesson through the artistic manipulation of cedar or pine.  Whether boy or girl, anyone who worked with him in the building learned their way around a power tool. Through song, he taught everyone of the Battle of New Orleans, the love story and loss of Kaw-Liga, and how Jeannie's afraid of the dark.

Bill lived his life embodying "where there's a will, there is a way." There was nothing he couldn't do. He may not have always done things the 'correct' way, but Bill did things the Pepaw way. He was a man of Faith; A patriot. Bill was not without flaw, but he was genuine, hard-working, and would give the shirt off his back for any one of his family members.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, his brothers: William (Florence), Coy (Mildred), Glyndol (Esther), and Guynn (Lolly) Cox; his sisters: Ozelma (Arlen) Clubbs, Geneva (Charles) Oldner, Retha (Rubin) Lane, Anna (Raymond) Malone, Delena (Carl) Tarver [FKA (Albert) Davis], Betty (Thomas) Jones, and Jeanette (George) Smith; and his granddaughter, Kristy Lynn Collier. He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with his dear wife, Jackie; their two children: Darrell and Beverly; four grandchildren: Ashley (Bobby) Douglas, Jason, Brandy, and Stephanie; 12 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends whom he loved deeply.

Billy Gene Cox will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, and friend. His stories, wisdom, and the warmth of his company will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

No service by request.  Cremation arrangements by Thomas Funeral Service, 501-941-7888. ‍