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BORN
1967
DIED
2024
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Michael Cox Obituary
April 10, 1967 - December 21, 2024
Michael Fitzpatrick Cox, 57, of Salem, VA, passed away and went home to be with his Lord in Heaven on Saturday, December 21, 2024, with his family by his side. He was a kind and easy going soul who loved his family and aimed to help those in need.
Born along with twin sister Tracey, on April 10, 1967, in Washington, DC, he was the son of Michael Joseph Cox and Barbara Anne Fitzpatrick Cox; the grandson of George and Kathryn Cox, and Joseph and Angie Fitzpatrick.
Michael, or Mike, as he was known to those closest to him, was a 1985 graduate of Norfolk Catholic High School and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Virginia in 1989, a law degree from the College of William and Mary in 1995, and a Master's degree from Georgetown University in 2001. Michael held positions in private industry and for the federal government including serving as a trial attorney in the U. S. Department of Justice's tax division. Michael joined Norfolk Southern in 2000 as an assistant tax counsel. He has held positions with increasing responsibility for over 24 years. In 2019, Michael was named Vice President of Taxation.
Michael loved being with his family especially his daughters Olivia and Lauren. He loved making Mimi's special spaghetti sauce and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. Recently, he was excited about teaching Olivia to drive and helping the girls make decisions about their future. He was always supporting his daughters in their love of ballet and dance. Michael recently became a cat owner when he adopted Mr. Milo.
Michael was a loyal colleague and boss at work. His expertise, knowledge, and kind heart were appreciated by all members of the NS tax department. He worked to help the railway and his employees through many challenges. He was loved by all.
Michael is survived by his wife, Jenny Pagans Cox; daughters, Olivia and Lauren Cox, of Salem, VA; sister, Tracey Cox Hasick and her husband, Dale; brother, Carl Cox; nieces, Taylor Perrin and husband, Caleb, and Ella Cox, of Norfolk, VA; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins..
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 2 p.m. on Monday, December 30, 2024 at Simpson Funeral Home 5160 Peters Creek Road. A celebration of Michael's life will follow the visitation at 2 p.m. with Pastor Jeff Wilson officiating. Interment will be in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. A memorial service will be held in Norfolk, VA at a later date. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home 5160 Peters Creek Road Roanoke, VA 540 366 0707.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Cox
Sponsored by Simpson Funeral Home & Crematory - Peters Creek Road.
3 Entries
Jonathan Rotter
January 23, 2025
Mike was a dear old law school friend who was always a terrific study pal. He was not afraid to disagree with you, especially when you were wrong, which I more than occasionally was. I loved our time together in the `Burg whether out at a deli or talking for hours on the law school Naugahyde.
I shed a tear and raise a glass to you, my friend.
Ted Atkinson
January 23, 2025
Mike was a fundamental and integral part of the William and Mary Law School community, a remarkable human, the smartest guy in the room, the best man at my wedding, and a deeply loved friend central to many of the best memories in life for me and countless others. He was beloved by so many. His passing is too sudden, and almost too saddening to contemplate. Deepest condolences to Jenny, Olivia, Lauren, Tracey, Carl, and the rest of his family.
Maqui Parkerson
December 27, 2024
Mike was a treasured friend. He was one of the first people I met at Norfolk Southern as a brand new lawyer. He was a fellow W&M Law alum and was always ready with pragmatic advice about life. He was a frequent member of our cohort on Granby Street. I will miss his curmudgeonly ways
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