Horace J Box Jr.

Coach. Educator. Mentor. Man of unwavering faith. Community pillar. Husband. Father. PawPaw and co-owner of Box's BBQ, Mr. Horace "HB" Box, the firstborn son of the late Horace B. and Adeller Box, peacefully transitioned from this life on Monday, July 6, 2026.

To know HB was to know a man of quiet strength, unwavering integrity, and humble service. His influence on the Rockford community was not built on seeking recognition, but on simply doing what he loved and faithfully being who God called him to be. Through education, coaching, mentorship, and his steadfast faith, he left an indelible mark on generations of students, athletes, colleagues, friends, and family.

Just days before his passing, HB celebrated his 80th birthday on June 24. His greatest wish was simply to thank God for blessing him with fourscore years. True to his humble nature, he requested nothing more than bacon and eggs for his birthday dinner. With his familiar smile, he said, "I don't ask for much. I'm a simple man." And while he truly was a simple man in his desires, he was extraordinary in the life he lived. He never sought attention or accolades, often feeling uncomfortable when others celebrated him, yet he was admired by so many for his humility, quiet confidence, unwavering faith, and impeccable character.

Born in Chidester, Arkansas, HB moved to Rockford at an early age, where he attended Rockford Public Schools and proudly graduated from his beloved Auburn High School in 1964. His passion for learning led him to earn a bachelor's degree from Illinois State University and a master's degree from Indiana State University. He later completed additional graduate coursework at the University of Illinois, DePaul University, Northern Illinois University, and Santa Clara University. He often smiled with pride as he reminded those around him that he had earned his "Master's plus 30."

HB began his career in education at Henrietta Primary School before fulfilling his lifelong dream of returning to Auburn High School as a teacher. Auburn was more than a workplace—it was home. Throughout his distinguished career, he taught Freshman Social Studies, U.S. History, Black History, and Government, inspiring countless students to believe in themselves both inside and outside the classroom.

His coaching career began in 1969, leading Auburn's track program before serving as Head Track Coach from 1974 to 1986. He also coached basketball from 1973 to 1989 and served as Head Basketball Coach from 1981 to 1989. Beyond coaching, HB served Auburn as an Administrative Assistant and Instructional Coach before retiring. Retirement, however, could not keep him away from the students he loved. Within a year, his passion for teaching and mentoring drew him back into education through after-school programs at Stiles, Ellis, McIntosh, and Kishwaukee Elementary Schools, where he continued investing in young lives.

On a Good Friday in the 1980s, HB married the love of his life, the former Naola Hopson. Their union endured for nearly four decades and was built upon love, faith, partnership, and unwavering devotion. Together they opened not only their home but also their hearts, welcoming children who needed guidance, nourishment, encouragement, and love. Through their generosity, many affectionately came to know them as "PawPaw" and "Granny."

HB's lifelong commitment to young people and the Rockford community earned him numerous honors, including the Conscious Coaching Ancestors Pioneer Award and induction into the Rockford Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame in 2024. Yet even with these prestigious recognitions, he remained characteristically humble, often insisting he did not deserve them.

Most importantly, HB was a man of faith. Having accepted Christ and been baptized, his Christian journey began at Washington Park Christian Church and continued through Allen Chapel AME Church and the Church of Christ, where he faithfully taught Bible School and served wherever God called him. He never sought titles or recognition—only opportunities to serve. Though his health challenged him in recent years, his faith never wavered. It had been a long battle, but Horace won the war.

HB leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife and loving caregiver, Naola; his children, Shelli (Chris) Garrett, Charo (Robert "Bo") Chaney, and Blake Box (Omarr); his beloved brother, former Rockford Mayor, the Honorable Charles E. Box; nine cherished grandchildren; eleven treasured great-grandchildren; bonus children Jarvis Redmond, Duke Joiner, Tayveon Hopson-Paschal, and Sarah Beard; his special aunt, Costella Sanders; his dear friends, Ike Johnson and Robert Chaney Sr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, former students, colleagues, and countless friends whose lives were forever enriched by knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Horace B. and Adeller Box; his daughters, Robin and Sharone Box; his granddaughter, Keanya; his siblings, James (Linda) Blake, John Christopher, Robert Box, Fannie Dority, and Margaret Box; his parents-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. James Hopson; and his brothers-in-law, Tuck and Jermaine Hopson.

HB's life was measured not by titles or trophies, but by the countless lives he touched. His lessons extended far beyond the classroom, his coaching reached far beyond the playing field, and his faith reached far beyond words. His legacy will live on in every student he encouraged, every athlete he inspired, every child he embraced, and every person fortunate enough to have called him teacher, coach, mentor, husband, father, PawPaw, brother, or friend. His race was well run, his work well done, and his impact will endure for generations.

His race has been run. His work is complete. His reward is eternal.

And if HB could leave us with one final reminder, it would surely be the words he lived by: "You can't keep a good man down!

Visitation will be held at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 North Alpine Road, Machesney Park, IL 61115, on July 19, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, with additional visitation at St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, 2919 19th St, Rockford, IL 61109 on July 21, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. The funeral will take place on July 21, 2026, at 1:00 pm. Committal will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens.