Oscar "Gene" Eugene Cox

COX, Oscar Eugene “Gene”, 80, of Richmond, VA walked through the gates of heaven and into the loving arms of Jesus on Tuesday, November 9, 2021. He was born on September 6th, 1941, in Wilmington, NC. He lived 80 beautiful and joy-filled years on this earth. He was a man of God, a true family man, and someone who brought constant laughter and joy to those around him. Known by all who knew him as the man with the best smile, there was never a time in his presence where you could feel anything but happiness. He graduated from Old John Marshall High School with the class of 1960, and on June 8th, 1963, he married the love of his life, Mary Alice Crowder Cox. During the 58 years they were married, they built the most beautiful life and family together. They worked as a team, honored each other, and gave their three children lives filled with love, faith and laughter. Gene loved to stay active, and one of his favorite sports was softball. For 28 years he played church softball with a team that eventually merged with Ginter Park Presbyterian Church. Known for his powerful home runs, he even earned a name in the newspaper as the “unofficial Babe Ruth of church softball”. His love for the game made him the best coach for his son Kevin’s baseball team. He coached their Tuckahoe Little League team for many years, and helped them get to regular season championships. While a love for the game formed a bond between Gene and his son, he had an equally special bond with his two daughters, Pam and Heather, and created memories that will last a lifetime with each of his children. Those who were closest to him had the privilege of also hearing his beautiful singing voice, classic and timeless. But that was the kind of man he was, classic and timeless himself. He embodied the values of his generation. He was a man with a strong work ethic, but an even more giving spirit. His generosity to others created a legacy that his family will carry on for generations to come. Gene owned and operated ABM Office Outfitters for 40 years. He also held many titles at his family owned and operated school, Jack and Jill, such as, drink machine operator, pool maintenance man, and groundskeeper. However, the family favorite was the title of “Geena”, the name given by his grandchildren, and the one that the students at Jack and Jill called him by. No one will ever forget Geena’s smile and the way he greeted the teachers, parents and children at Jack and Jill each day. He is survived by his wife, Mary Cox, his three children, Pam Brown (Mike), Kevin Cox (Wendy), and Heather Hawkins (Travis), his two brothers, William “Billy” Cox (Molly) and John Cox (Dottie), his five grandchildren, Mary-Kaitlyn Brown, Troy Brown, Logan Cox, Harlie Hawkins, and Hollyn Hawkins, along with many more family members who love and miss him dearly. To the family and friends of “Geena”, “Uncle Pole”, “Gene”, and any of the other names he earned throughout his time here on this earth: we will rejoice because we know he is safe and at peace in the arms of our Savior. We find comfort in the reminder that there is no sadness in heaven, and there is no illness or pain. And most importantly, we know that on the day he met Jesus face to face, his smile was bigger than it had ever been. Funeral Services will be held at Woody Funeral Home Parham Chapel on Saturday, November 20, 2021, at 11:30 am with a graveside committal to follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Richmond, VA. We invite all family and friends to continue in the Celebration of Gene’s Life with a reception at 2:00 pm at Jack and Jill School in Richmond, VA. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.woodyfuneralhomeparham.com.