Willard L Cox

December 7, 1939 - February 7, 2021 Born in Norco, CA. on December 7, 1939 Passed at home in Riverside, CA. on February 7, 2021 Willard lived his entire life in the Arlington area of Riverside. He attended local schools including Liberty Elementary, Chemawa Junior High, Poly and Ramona High Schools. He graduated in the first graduating class of Ramona High in 1958. Willard excelled in baseball. After graduation he worked at a paint manufacturing plant in Riverside for 42 years. The plant was orginally named Hart and Burns a division of Devoe and Raynolds which ultimately became Celanese Coatings. September 16, 1961 Willard married Jeanette Mays. They were married for 59 years until his passing. He was a family man. Willard enjoyed all the activities of his childrren. He helped coach a Little League team and volunteered with the Boy Scouts Troop 9 of Riverside. An outdoorsman he liked to garden, hike, fish, hunt and camp. In his retirement he enjoyed shooting skeet. All sports were of interest but his teams were the Lakers and Angels. Close to retirement Willard became a grandpa to Sarah who brought much joy to his life. Survived by his wife, Jeanette; son, Arnold (Shelly) of Hesperia; daughter, Jennifer Johnson (Mark) of Perris and grandchildren, Sarah Cox, Ethan, Caitlin and Joshua Randolph. Also survived by his brothers, Richard (Connie), Kenneth (Jan), Carl (Lynne) Cox and his sister-in-law, L. Janene Hemborg (Henry). He leaves 5 nephews and 7 nieces. Predeceased by his parents, Joe and Flossie Cox; sister, Nina Jo and brother-in-law, R. Dale Smith; in-laws, William H. and Lois Mays; brother-in-law, William K. Mays and three nephews. Memorial Services will be held on March 5, 2021 at 10 a.m. Acheson and Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary, 7944 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA.92504. Pastor Montia Setzler will be officiating. A gathering will be held and directions will be given after the service. The family is grateful for the care of Vitas Hospice. A special thank you to Ron Cox who selflessly helped his uncle these past few years. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the American Cancer Society. Acheson and Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary 7944 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA. 92504 951-688-1221