Harold Dean Cox

Harold Cox went home to be with our Lord on July 5th, 2025. Harold Dean Cox was born on August 16, 1936, to Opal Arminda Hicks Cox and Dewey Randal Cox, in Brookesmith, Texas. He was the 2nd of four children; Helen Harris being the oldest, Harold following, and then brothers Edwin Doyle and Roy Lee. As you know, Harold was a worker. At 11 years old, he worked the first of many summer wheat harvests in Nebraska.

He made lifelong friends growing up in Brookesmith, where he enjoyed hunting and fishing. As a Brookesmith Mustang, he played basketball, football, volleyball, and baseball all four years of high school. Additionally, he participated in track for two years. His coach and mentor, Dub Dillingham, required the students to play all sports, otherwise there were not enough to field a team!!! Harold earned all-district football honors, was chosen as team captain, and received the Athletic Award. He was also a Future Farmers of America Officer and voted “Best All-Around”. There were 12 students in the graduating class of 1954. Harold was one of five remaining Brookesmith High School friends who have stayed in close contact and have reunited every year. On June 27, Harold’s four friends drove from Brownwood and Austin to Lake Jackson for one last visit with Harold.

After high school graduation, Harold attended Howard Payne College in Brownwood. He married Wanna Jenelle Jacobs in1956. They began building their life together in Freeport, Texas where Harold began his career at Dow Chemical. Harold continued to work for Dow in different departments and eventually settled in the Fire and Safety Department. In 1961, Harold and Wanna joined the Lake Jackson Church of Christ where Harold’s kindness and steadfast presence blessed many.

Harold participated in the Dow sports leagues. He and Wanna coached girls’ softball in the early years of the Lake Jackson Girls’ Softball Association. While working at Dow, he earned his Real Estate License in 1968. He started working part-time for Talbot-Atkins Properties. In 1974, Harold left Dow to work full-time as a Real Estate Agent.

Harold mentored new realtors, while serving on numerous boards and supporting local charities and other altruistic organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, Brazoria County Parks and Wildlife, Brazosport Hospital, Military Moms and Wives of Brazoria County, and the Brazoria County Board of Realtors. Harold always put people’s needs front and center.

Harold and Wanna enjoyed tennis and golf. Many treasured friendships began on the tennis courts, on the golf course, and sitting around a table at Riverside. Through their work, church and social activities, Harold and Wanna connected with and served the people of their community.

Harold was an enthusiastic fan of high school sports. He attended the Texas UIL State Basketball Tournament for 65 consecutive years. Most of those years, he attended with his brother-in-law Don Nentwig (a legendary high school basketball coach) nephews, David Nentwig and Paul Jacobs, and great-nephews, Brooks and Brady Nentwig.

Harold’s devotion to local sports began in 1956, when he purchased season tickets to Brazosport Exporter football games—and he never missed a game. In 1969, when Brazoswood High School opened, his seats and allegiance shifted to the Buccaneers.

He supported all Brazoswood athletic teams. The years from 1969 to 1974 were magical for the new Brazoswood teams and the community. Harold was a member of the Quarterback Club (aka Booster Club) and for many years he led the charge in organizing the fundraising booth at the Brazoria County Fair. He may have been the only booster whose kids were Buccaneer Belles. Harold loved having “grown-up” business relationships and friendships with many of the same kids he cheered on from the stands. He has held Brazosport ISD Football season tickets for 68 years. In 2018, he was recognized as THE Brazoswood Buccaneer SUPER FAN!!!

A man of few words—though his actions spoke volumes—Harold's life teaches us that love is often lived in service, in standing firm for family, and in giving freely without expectation. He offered kindness, stability, and unwavering support, simply because it was who he was.

Harold is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law Debbie and Greg Brooke of Plano, and Jamie and Keith Lawlis of Round Rock. His pride and joy are his four grandsons: Daniel Brooke and wife Kara, Christian Brooke, and wife Eleni, Sam Lawlis and wife Rachel and Jacob Lawlis. He has two great grandchildren, Charlotte Jane Lawlis and Hudson Conner Lawlis.

Harold was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Wanna, his parents Opal and Dewey Cox, and siblings, Helen Harris, Edwin Cox and Roy Lee Cox.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 10, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm, at the Lake Jackson Church of Christ, 402 Center Way.

A celebration of Harold’s life will be held on Friday, at 10:00 a.m. at the Lake Jackson Church of Christ.