Billy Charles Cox

Billy Charles Cox, 95, of Bonham passed away Monday, September 9, 2025 due to complications of a hip fracture. Services will be held at Wise Funeral Home on Friday, September 12 at 2:30 PM with visitation beginning at 1:30 PM. Rev. Julie Henson, minister at First United Methodist Church of Bonham will conduct the service.

Billy was the youngest of four children, born on May 5, 1930 to Willie Eskel (Bill) and Ada Josephine Sanders Cox in Randolph Texas. He attended Bonham schools, graduating in 1948. He was drafted into the US Army in 1951 and was serving on the front lines of the Korean Conflict when the war ended. He returned to Bonham and began working for his uncle Charlie Cox at Cox Hardware Store. While making frequent deposits at Bonham State Bank, he met Bobbie Carroll who worked there as a teller. After a six-month romance they married on September 17, 1954 at the Mulberry Methodist Church. Their union lasted 70 years, 11 months, and 8 days.

It was not long until Billy and his brother Glen Cox opened The Bonham Trading Post in downtown Bonham. Billy became an auctioneer through a correspondence course and began to host frequent auctions at their store. Several years later Billy opened Cox General Store on Highway 78 South in Bonham where he continued to hold auctions, hosted local bands and held small trade day events.

Billy proudly proclaimed to all that he was a Methodist. He joined Clark Memorial Methodist Church in his childhood and he and Bobbie worshipped there after their marriage along with extended family. Billy became a lay leader and was called upon to fill the pulpit in various churches throughout the county.  He was also chairman of the church board.  Later Billy and Bobbie joined the First United Methodist Church, which he attended regularly until the last few months.  Billy served on the Bonham City Council for over 12 years in the 60s and 70s, serving as mayor pro-tem in 1963.   From 1965-1979 Billy served on the Fannin Bank board of directors. He became a loan officer with Fannin Bank in 1969 and served as Bank President from 1976 - 1979. He then began a career with Woodmen of the World insurance. During this time, Billy continued to operate his general store along with acquiring rental property. He was an entrepreneur before the word was even popular. For decades, he had fireworks stands around Bonham and provided many youth their first job selling fireworks. Most business deals that he made were sealed with a handshake and belief that the person would uphold their word.

Billy and Bobbie enjoyed many things through the years, including square dancing, traveling to Branson, Missouri, and some casino time.  They were active in church and always attended weekly services, rarely missing a Sunday.  They also helped anyone in need, whether it be family, friends, or strangers. Billy was quick to offer advice and suggestions. He rarely met a stranger as he always held out his hand to welcome you.In the last few decades, he enjoyed his family and especially his many grandchildren and great- grandchildren.  He loved to tease and joke with family and friends. He also loved old-time radio shows, old westerns, Gene Autry, Christmas, and Texas history.

He is preceded in death by his beloved son Press Cox, his parents, brother Glen Cox, sisters Ella Ray Williams and Jo Willa Parker, and nephews Leldon Cox and Joe Parker.

He is survived by his loving wife, Bobbie Cox, daughters Cindy Godbey and husband, Michael of Bonham, Sandra Wade and husband, John of Merit and daughter-in-law, Patricia Cox of Sherman. His grandchildren are Brandon Godbey (Kathy), John Godbey (Brandy), Tara Smith Pattison (Lynn), Daniel Smith, Jacob Smith (Crissy), Will Smith (Mollie), Ricky Smith (Britnie), Amanda Fulkerson (Christian), Cassidi Summers (John), Taylor Cox Jackson (Shane), and Austin Cox (Bri). Billy and Bobbie were blessed with 21 great-grandchildren and another on theway. Other survivors include nieces Betsy Sterkel, Dana Nix and Barbara Cox, along withextended family and many friends.

Billy’s grandsons will serve as pallbearers.Honorary pallbearers are Gene Danner, Harris Myers, Joe Ray, John Bragg, Tom Bragg, Claude Allen, David London and Carroll Spiller.

Memorials may be made to Willow Wild Cemetery Association, PO Box 159, Bonham TX, 75418 or First United Methodist Church, 801 Star, Bonham, TX 75418.  The family extends special thanks to Beckey Herpeche and Hospice Plus for their kindness and care.

Matthew 25: 35 – 40 embodies Billy’s life: 35 for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food or thirsty and gave you somethingto drink? 38 And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you or naked and gave you clothing? 39 And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ 40 And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers andsisters of mine, you did it to me.’