Russell Lee Cox

RUSSELL LEE COX, age 89, of Wellston, passed away Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at his home. He was born December 8, 1935 in Portsmouth, Ohio, son of the late Samuel H. Cox and Florence E. Zornes Cox.
Russ graduated from Portsmouth West High School in 1953 and attended Ohio University. He was a member of the Army National Guard from 1954 - 1961. Russ retired from Goodyear Tire and Rubber in Jackson, where he was employed for 31 years. He was an avid sports enthusiast who enjoyed running, biking, walking, golfing and cheering for The Ohio State Buckeyes, Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Browns.
In years past, he was a little league baseball coach. Throughout his life, Russ ran 8 marathons and rode his bicycle in 18 TOSRV's (Tour of the Scioto River Valley), one of the nation's largest two-day bicycle tours held on Mother's Day weekend. He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Wellston and the Nauvoo Masonic Lodge #769 in West Portsmouth.
Russ is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jane Spencer Cox; children, Stephen Cox (Nina) of Alexandria, Louisiana, Danny Cox (Trenna) Aurora, Illinois, Leigh Ann Leach (Steven) of Logan, and Sharon Brenner (Anthony) of Wellston; grandchildren, Cyrus Cox, Seneca Cox, Meghan Leslie, David Leslie, Kiersten Kroniger, Briella Trusler, Micaela Clark (Josiah), Madison Leach, Coleman Leach, John "AJ" Brenner and Lucas Brenner; and great-granddaughter, Bryleigh Leslie.
Besides his parents, Russ was preceded in death by grandson, Johnathon Leslie; and siblings, Warren Cox, Margaret McCall (Ted), Ruth Iery (Chet), Gene Cox (Lawana) and Fred Cox (Jinny).
Calling hours will be Friday, November 21, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston. Funeral service will be Saturday, November 22, at 10 a.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Jones officiating. Burial, with military honors, will follow in the Memorial Burial Park in Wheelersburg.
Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com.