William “Bill” Durant Cox

ST. MATTHEWS - A funeral service for William “Bill” Durant Cox, 81, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 28, 2022 at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, with burial in Old Johnsonville Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

Mr. Cox went home to Jesus on July 24, 2022, his beloved wife of 40 years, Linda Sellers, by his side.

Born in Hemingway, SC, Bill was the eldest living son of William Edward and Mary Madelene DuRant Cox, and big brother to three adored sisters, Jane Walker, Clarolyn Whitney (Bob), and Emmie Hammett (Barry).

Bill's father owned and ran the Ed Cox Grocery on Broad Street in Hemingway where Bill spent hours stocking shelves and selling everything from candy and ice cream to meat and hardware.

The lessons learned under his father’s tutelage would shape Bill’s entire life. After a stint in the United States Marine Corps, Bill moved to Columbia, SC where he raised a family with his former wife. He worked 28 years at Sears and bought and ran his own neighborhood stores including Hazelwood Market in Lower Richland County, and later, alongside Linda, The Other Store in Forest Acres. For the last two decades, it was here Bill could be found greeting customers and doling out hot dogs. Bill had a tireless work ethic, and just this month was commanding his post behind the counter.

A voracious reader, Bill took deep pleasure in reading, sharing, and recommending books. His favorite spot in the store was the community bookshelf he happily maintained.

But it was his children that brought Bill the most joy. Patti Johnston (Harry), Karan Stuart (Ken), William Cox (Christy), Heather Renner (Todd), Melissa Drake (Chris), as well as his 12 grandchildren, and seven great grands, received priceless gifts from Bill including books, unconditional love, and always, the best pick of store candy!

Bill also appreciated the outdoors and preferred fresh fruits and vegetables, eating mostly only what could be picked or planted. He took advantage of his quiet home in the woods, walking a mile every day to retrieve his mail from the box at the street.

Above all, Bill loved Jesus and claimed Him as Lord and Savior. Bill was a devoted member of Sherwood Forest ARP Church where he served as a deacon and an elder. His family looks forward to seeing him again!

Bill is survived by his wife, Linda, his children, his grand and great-grandchildren, sisters, Jane and Emmie, as well as a large and precious extended family.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Clarolyn, and a baby brother.