Sam Boniere Cox

Sam Boniere Cox, age 74, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 23, 2022 in Lake Mary, Florida following a long illness. Sam was born in Quincy, Florida on January 16, 1948 and was the youngest child of Bennie Maxine Cox and Wilbur Billy Cox.

In 1962, Sam’s parents relocated the family to Gainesville, Florida where Sam graduated from Gainesville High School in 1966. He went on to graduate from the University of Florida with a degree in Industrial Engineering in 1971. In 1968, Sam met his future wife, Susan Hennessey. After dating throughout college, they were married May 27, 1972 in Gainesville and subsequently moved to the Central Florida area.

Before beginning his employment with Martin Marietta Aerospace in Orlando, Sam joined the Florida National Guard. He then went on to graduate from Officer’s Candidate School and served 10 years. Sam also attended Rollins College in Winter Park, FL earning a Master Degree in Business in 1981.

In 1976, Sam went to work for Walt Disney World returning to Martin Marietta in 1985. Sam retired as the Planning, Production & Control Senior Manager of the Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control Orlando Materials Center in 2012. His 30+ years of service was marked by numerous awards and accomplishments.

Sam was an avid reader, lifelong learner, loved the outdoors, and active volunteer with his church. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his wife, Susan, and children, Brian and Kristina, each knowing they were loved dearly by their husband and father.

Sam is preceded in death by his parents, Bennie and Wilbur Cox, and his brother, Robert D. Cox. He is survived by his wife, Susan, two children, son Brian Patrick (Bridget) of Orlando, daughter Kristina Nicole of Orlando, and by his granddaughter Sofie. He is also survived by his sister Claire Roberts of Starke, Florida, and his sister-in-law Betty Cox of St. Augustine, Florida, as well as his nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service is scheduled for 11 am, Saturday, May 14, 2022, at Sanlando United Methodist Church, 1890 W. State Road 434, Longwood, FL 32750. A reception at the church will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sam’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) or the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resource Center (adrccares.org). Arrangements are under the care of Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home -Oaklawn in Sanford, FL.