William Burkit Cox

Bill passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord Thursday, August 4, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. Bill was a kind and gentle soul - a selfless man who lived to serve. His greatest joy was being with his family and he took great delight in welcoming the birth of his first grandchild.

Bill was born January 22, 1948 in Japan where his father, William Crocker Burkit was stationed during the Korean War. After his father's death in 1950, Bill, sister Elizabeth, and mother, Patricia Williams, moved back to San Antonio. Patricia married Bernarr (Barney) Cox and together they had five children. Bill enjoyed being the "big brother" taking care of his brothers and sisters. He attended John Marshall High School, graduated from UT Austin, and received a Master's Degree from UTSA in Land Management.

In 1972 through a chance encounter at the old Earl Abel's, Bill met the love of his life, Elise Schonhoff. They married in 1975 at Our Lady of Grace in San Antonio. Carefree and in search of adventure, Bill and Elise moved to Nebraska where Bill opened a woodworking shop. Their first child, Marlise, was born in Norfolk in 1978. In 1980 they moved back to San Antonio and in 1982 they welcomed their second child, Meghan.

Bill was an amazing father who loved to play with his daughters: building sand castles on the beach, skiing on the sloops of Colorado, coaching their basketball and baseball teams, and so much more. They enjoyed many wonderful family vacations traveling across the U.S. and Mexico, Europe, Costa Rica, and Belize. Most of all they loved to spend time at the family ranch in Cotulla and their condo in Port Aransas.

Bill, along with his good friend and brother-in-law, Robert, started a construction company. After 10 years, Robert left to pursue other ventures and Bill continued building Construction Specialties. Bill was known for his knowledge, professionalism, and strong sense of service to his clients, treating them like friends and extended family.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Elise Schonhoff Cox, and his daughters: Marlise Burkit Rodriguez, husband Jorge Rodriguez, grandson Rixon Burkit Rodriguez; Meghan Cox Rowntree, husband Robert "RJ" Rowntree. Siblings: Elizabeth Stone, sons Sean and Michael; Suzy Lawton (Cappy), son Trevor and daughter Avery; James Cox (Amy), son Sam and daughter Morgan; Patti Diehl, son Riley; John Cox (Gayle), sons Ryan and Joshua; Carol Cox; and many nieces and nephews.

We'd like to thank Dr. Ronald Drengler, START Center, Ted Moore, Heart to Heart Homecare, and nurse Koyode for their good care during Bill's illness. We request donations be made to ThriveWell Cancer Foundation (thrivewell.org, P.O. Box 29331, San Antonio, TX 78229) or Texas Biomedical Center for Parkinson's Research (PO Box 760549, San Antonio 78245).