Joseph Arlo “Big Daddy” Cox

Raleigh - In Memory of Joe Cox, beloved Uncle and friend who passed away in Raleigh, NC on April 30, 2020. Due to COVID-19, the family will hold a private graveside service. A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held at a later date and will be announced by Bryan Lee Funeral Home, Garner. Joe was born in Pleasant Garden, NC to the late Arlo W. and Nan Williamson Cox. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Forrest W. Cox. A graduate of Hugh Morson High School (class of 1955), Joe was a long-time Raleigh resident. He was a successful businessman who owned Cox Flooring. When that venture ended, he worked for and retired from Stock Building Supply. In later years he worked for Carolina Builders as he wanted to stay busy and hated to be idle. He was known as one who was always there to lend a hand and be a friend. There are many who will remember him by his kindness, his generosity, ready smile and his love of fun. He was a true Southern Gentleman! He kept his friends and family in his heart. A testament to his worth is that group he got together with every week for lunch were all lifelong friends. He loved all things fishing. He enjoyed taking fishing trips with friends to lakes and the ocean. You could not know Joe and not be aware of his love of fishing and smile when remembering all the fishing shirts he had and enjoyed wearing. He also loved trains. His father was a Train Engineer and they were ever present as he was growing up. He is survived and will be greatly missed by his niece, Xenia McGowan; nephew, Sean Cox and wife, Carol Rosso; sister-in-law, Regina Liske; great-nieces, Hilary McGowan and Melissa Cox; great-great-niece, Adelaide May Fritz. In lieu of flowers, donations will be collected for a contribution to Pullen Park in Joe’s memory. Please make checks payable to: The City of Raleigh, c/o Joe Cox, 710 Independence Pl., Unit 207, Raleigh, NC 27603.