Joseph R. “Joe” Cox

Posted on April 3, 2026

Joseph R. “Joe” Cox, 57, of Wildwood, Fla., went to be with the Lord on March 24, 2026, at Orlando Regional Medical Center in Orlando, surrounded by his loving family. Joe was born on Nov. 23, 1968, in Mattoon, Ill., to parents Richard Cox and Maxine (Stumborg) Cox. He was a long-time resident of Wildwood and a graduate of Wildwood High School, Class of 1986. He was the owner of Joe Cox Construction and was able to repair or fix any job given. He attended First Baptist Church of Wildwood. Joe was a former member of the Rotary Club of Wildwood. He volunteered as a boat captain for “Hooked on Heroes” out of Steinhatchee. Joe was a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post #291 in Steinhatchee. He loved to entertain all with his quick wit and stories. He loved the water and was the happiest when he was scalloping with family in Steinhatchee. Joe will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends. Jos is survived by: his loving wife of 28 years, Janet M. Cox of Wildwood; two daughters, Deserae’ Cox-Williams and her husband, David, of Oxford, and Kayla Smart-Cox of Tampa; a brother, Jim Cox and his wife, Patricia, of Chicago, Ill.; and two loving grandchildren, Autumn Williams and Noah Williams. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Kathy Jones. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 10, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Banks, Page-Theus Funeral Chapel in Wildwood. Funeral services will held on Saturday, April 11, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Wildwood with Pastor Justin Davis and Mr. David Williams officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Level Cemetery in Oxford. The family has requested donations be made to the Steinhatchee Stingray Recreation Association. (Please send to Sea Hag Marina, 322 South Riverside Drive, Steinhatchee, FL 32359. Please put in memory of Joe Cox on the donation.) Arrangements are entrusted to Banks, PageTheus Funerals and Cremations, Wildwood. Online condolences may be shared at www. bankspagetheus.com.