Billy Joe Cox, 82, of Arnold died Dec. 27, 2025, at his home. Mr. Cox Billy resided in Atoka, Okla., before voluntarily enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corp where he served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He enjoyed a relaxing life after retiring from Yates-Suntrup Ford in Kirkwood in 2006. He enjoyed watching Westerns and reading. He loved spending time with his family, especially when his children and grandchildren visited. He was considered one of a kind and was known for his heart of gold and for helping others when able. Born July 18, 1943, in Dumas, Texas, he was the son of the late Daniel Strong and Linnie Belle (Bowan) Cox.
He was preceded in death by his wife: Eleanor Cox.
He is survived by three children: Elizabeth (Rick) Thomas of Union, Nancy Banda of Pevely and Paul (Migdalia) Cook of Hazelwood; a brother: Charles Bolt of Cleburne, Texas; 11 grandchildren: Theresa Schaefer of House Springs, Amanda Cook of Chalmette, La., Wichelle (Raymond) Benfield of Arnold, Melissa (Rick) Strubberg of Owensville, Christine Granger of St. Louis, Rebecca Morris of Arnold, Billy Tehandon of Imperial, Jose (Amber) Banda of Byrnes Mill, Salvadore (Katisha) Tehandon of Kokomo, Ind., Paul Cook II of Byrnes Mill and William (Jamie) Cook of Arnold; great-grandchildren: Tyler, Dylan, EmmaJo (Gavinn), Alexia, Issac, Destiny, Peyton (Austin), Madyson, Dominic (Sam), Quintin (Kayla), Demetre, Bianca (Saxon), Adria, Lawrence, Elyasha, Jamarion, Johnae, Justin (Danielle), Jacob (Marissa), Katie Belle (Michael) Tomas, Isai, Fernando, Ezkiel, Jose Angel, Elijah, Paishens, Anthony, Jay, Ariel and Constance; many great-great-grandchildren; and numerous other family members and neighbors.
He also was preceded in death by two children: David Eugene Cook and Dixie (Walter) Hoekstra; two brothers: Keith Cox and Enith Bolt; a sister: Thyra Gudgel; a great-grandson: Micah Cannon; and a great-great-granddaughter: Serenity.
Visitation is scheduled from 9 a.m. until services at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 9, at Heiligtag-Lang-Fendler Funeral Home, 1081 Jeffco Blvd., in Arnold. A committal service will follow in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. Arrangements are under the direction of Heiligtag-Lang-Fendler Funeral Home.