William Glenn Cox

On Tuesday, December 20, 2022, William G. "Glenn" Cox, loving husband and father of two daughters, passed away at age 76. He died peacefully, surrounded by his family.

Some words that have been used to describe Glenn in recent conversations with his friends: "larger than life", "a prince of a guy", "couldn't help but like him", "one of a kind," "had a joke for every situation", "could do anything", "hard-headed", "loyal", "absolutely hysterical", "could easily win Jeopardy", and "a tough son-of-a-gun". They say God broke the mold when Glenn was born. He was the BEST story-teller with an interesting way of "making a long story short". But the words that have been mentioned most are "I loved that man."

Glenn was born on July 18, 1946 in Oxford, MS to Mary Elizabeth Glenn Cox and William Cunningham Cox, Jr. The majority of his childhood and teen years were spent in Jackson, MS, where he graduated from Murrah High School in 1965. From there, he followed in his parents' footsteps and began his college studies at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). It remains unclear how much actual studying occurred during that time.

In 1968, in the midst of the Vietnam War, one of Glenn's close friends was killed in combat. Upon learning of his friend's death, Glenn left Ole Miss, promptly showed up at the local Marine Corps recruiter's office, and asked, "How quickly can you get me to Vietnam?" Within 6 months, he had completed boot camp at Parris Island and was shipped off. He served with 2d Battalion, 26th Marines, 3d Marine Division as a "tunnel rat", navigating an elaborate infrastructure of narrow underground tunnels built and inhabited by the Viet Cong; he was equipped with a flashlight, a .45 pistol, and a Ka-Bar knife.

Glenn had all the characteristics required of a tunnel rat: mental toughness; bravery in the face of constant mortal danger-- booby traps armed with various hazards including grenades, mines, metal spikes, bricks, venomous snakes, spiders, and fire ants, to name just a few; lightning-fast reflexes; and no hesitation to confront the enemy in hand-to-hand combat inside tunnels often no more than 2' x 3' wide. Glenn did, however, have some characteristics that set him apart from other tunnel rats, most notably his 6-foot stature; most tunnel rats were less than 5'-6" tall.

Glenn did not come out unscathed. He took a large dose of shrapnel to his legs, nearly losing one leg to "jungle rot". But he made it back home after 13 months (with both legs). His service was recognized with numerous awards and medals, including a Purple Heart and two bronze stars, one distinguished with a Combat "V" device. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps with the rank of Corporal in November 1973, and he always took great pride in his service as a U.S. Marine.

After settling back into life in Mississippi, Glenn enjoyed hunting, fishing, and entertaining. His two daughters, Allison and Emily, were born. He began his lifelong career in the automobile industry, starting as a "gopher", moving upward into management, and eventually owning his own car dealership in Bogalusa, LA.

Allison and Emily were both Daddy's girls, and they loved their Daddy just as much as he loved them. Their friends loved "Mr. Glenn", too. He was quite famous around town for his "Super Daddy Burgers" grilled by the poolside at birthday parties and sleepovers.

After selling his car dealership in Bogalusa, Glenn eventually moved back to Jackson, where he became a very successful automobile broker. He also married the love of his life, Suzan. She traveled across the country with him to every car auction, and together, they made his career an absolute blast. He was insanely good at his job and was a considered a treasured resource to every dealership fortunate to do business with him.

As technology evolved with advancements in online capabilities, Glenn and Suzan were able to decrease their travel and spend more time at home and at their cherished hunting camp right outside of Port Gibson, MS-- a place which, with Glenn's knack for building and Suzan's knack for decorating, looked more like a two-page spread in Southern Living than a "hunting camp". The majority of Glenn and Suzan's later years were spent at "The Camp" when they weren't traveling for work, and it is here that several lifetimes of memories were made with family and friends. "The Camp" was home.

Glenn was preceded in death by his father, Billy, his mother, Mary Elizabeth, and his sister, Anne. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Suzan, and his two daughters, Allison Cox (Lee) Parker and Emily Cox (Dudley) Geigerman. He is also survived by his "bonus" children, Beth Blackwood (David) Crowe and Jim (Kelly) Blackwood. He is survived by six grandchildren: Nathan Allen, Cole Geigerman, Cross Crowe, Gracie Crowe, James Blackwood, and Sam Blackwood. He is also survived by two dear nephews and several first cousins.

A visitation will be held at Parkway Funeral Home in Ridgeland, MS on Tuesday, January 3, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (1161 Highland Colony Parkway). This will be an opportunity for Glenn's friends and family to gather, catch up, tell stories, hug, and hopefully have some laughs through the tears. Anyone who knew Glenn knows he would want that.

A private graveside service will be held with immediate family the next day in Oxford, MS, where Glenn will be memorialized alongside his mother, father, and sister.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Wounded Warrior Project.