Phil was born in Scotia, California, on July 23, 1954 to William Gaines Cox, Jr. and Mahala Josephine Gary Cox. The youngest of four boys, he lived in Fortuna, California, until moving to Medford, Oregon in 1970. He graduated from Medford Senior High School in 1972, and later earned an Associate Degree in Electronics. His lifelong passion was music, and he began at an early age performing with his father’s band as a drummer in Fortuna. He learned guitar and played in many bands throughout the years, all throughout Oregon. He loved to write and record songs in his studio, and play gigs.
Phil is survived by his wife of 49 years, Melissa Templeman Cox, and their three children, Jesse Philip Cox, Lydia Zoe Cox, and Trevor James Cox. He and Melissa also have three grandchildren, Radley, Harlan, and Norman Cox. He is also survived by his three older brothers, William Gaines Cox III, John Harvey Cox, and Gary Michael Cox.
A celebration of Phil’s life will be held on July 19, 2025, , at the Phoenix Grange #779, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. 209 N. Main Street, Phoenix, Oregon.
