Obituary for Lloyd T. Cox
Lloyd T. Cox passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on September 23, 2022. He was born on March 30, 1936, in Lake Village, Arkansas. His mother, Eliza Harris (deceased) and father, Thomas Cox (deceased) agreed to have his paternal grandmother, Ms. Ruby Moss (deceased), raise him early in Lloyd’s life.
Lloyd attended segregated public schools (K-12) in Lake Village, ultimately graduating Valedictorian of Central High School in 1954. Upon graduation from high school, Lloyd attended the former Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical and Normal College (AM&N), now known as the University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff, majoring in Chemistry. In 1958, Lloyd received his Bachelors of Science and was promptly drafted into the United States Army, entering as an officer. He would go on to serve his country for three years as a Chemist and was honorably discharged in 1961. In 1976, Lloyd earned his Master’s in Food Science from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Lloyd had a strong work ethic from the moment he was eligible to hold a job. He worked the printing presses for the local newspaper and then later on in college. Once Lloyd was honorably discharged from the US Army, he moved to Chicago, Illinois. He was employed by the Chicago Transit Authority as a bus driver and ultimately began his science career as a Civilian Chemist for the US Army in Chicago.
It was around that time in Chicago that Lloyd met the love of his life, Grady Lean Stiggers, his wife of over 60 years. The two were married in 1962 and welcomed their first child, Sherri Lynn Cox, shortly afterward. The young family moved to Framingham, MA when Lloyd was transferred to the newly commissioned US Army base, Natick Labs, in Natick, MA.
In 1967, their second child, Eric, was born in Framingham, MA. Two years later, tragedy struck when Sherri was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which eventually extinguished her bright light. It was a devastating loss. However,, Lloyd never let the memory of his first born child fade. He would tell stories about Sherri and keep her memory alive for the rest of his life. In 1973, Shane Cox was born in Framingham, MA. Three and half years later, in 1976 Alexandria (Cox) Campbell, was born in Natick, MA, where the family is now living.
Lloyd was a brilliant chemist who worked at Natick Labs for over 35 years. He is credited with two US patents for scientific procedures he developed during that time. Lloyd also worked nights for Continental Baking Company, better known as Wonder Bread. He spent 25 years at his second job, even working there full time for a while upon his retirement from Natick Labs. He finally retired from working life around 2002.
In 1996, Lloyd had a brand new focus - his first grandchild, Simone Alexis Ann Blake. Simone and “Poppie” had a special bond. He made sure Simone never wanted for anything and his love for her was something to behold. He always made sure she had a snack or juice box as a little girl and countless rides or help with homework when she was older. Whether it was holidays, birthdays, vacations, school events, graduations, or just wise words, Poppie was always there loving and supporting his granddaughter.
In 2020, Lloyd’s second grandchild was born, Blake Logan Campbell. This rambunctious and charming little boy enjoyed nearly two and half glorious years with his Poppie and has a striking resemblance to his grandfather in both look and mannerisms. We will all relive Poppie's life for Blake’s benefit, keeping his memory alive.
Lloyd was happiest around his family. He spent summers driving to Arkansas, Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit, Washington D.C area, California and anywhere else his extended family lived. As the oldest of his 14 brothers and sisters, he made it his business to see all of his siblings no matter the distance or circumstance. He was truly beloved by all of his brothers and sisters and remarkably maintained great relationships with all of them through the years.
Lloyd loved home cooked meals. Especially the ones cooked by his wife, Grady. He studied maps and loved to drive. He collected books and watched hours of documentaries, nature shows, and author talks. Lloyd had the analytical mind of a scientist, but the warmth and compassion of a trusted friend and mentor. He would do anything for his family and loved ones and once he found out you needed something, he made sure you had it. Lloyd was a man of few words and had a quiet disposition. He never sought attention or recognition. When he
spoke, however, it was from a place of compassion, experience, and love.
Lloyd was a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He served as treasurer of the South Middlesex NAACP for 10 years. He was actively involved in causes and support groups related to Prostate health, particularly for Black men.
Lloyd Cox leaves to mourn his beloved wife of over 60 years, Grady Cox, children Eric Cox, Shane Cox and Alexandria Campbell (Jelani), grandchildren Simone Blake and Blake Campbell, sisters Angelette White, Delorse Dixon (Travis), Dorothy Walker, Jean Wiley, and Verona Rettig, brothers Dwight Cox (Carol), Jerome Cox (Mary), and Vincent Cox (Audrey). Lloyd will be missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, friends, and colleagues.
Lloyd will join in heaven his mother Eliza Harris, father Thomas Cox, daughter Sherri Cox, brothers Benny Cox, Kingston Cox, Melvin Cox, Elbert Wiley, Larry Wiley, and Vescoe Walker.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 10:30 AM in Myrtle Baptist Church, 21 Curve St. West Newton. Visitation will be held immediately prior to the service from 9-10:30 AM
Livestream: http://www.facebook.com/myrtlebaptist
Donations in Lloyd's memory may be made to the Benevolence Fund at Myrtle Baptist Church by visiting
https://www.myrtlebaptist.org/
Lloyd attended segregated public schools (K-12) in Lake Village, ultimately graduating Valedictorian of Central High School in 1954. Upon graduation from high school, Lloyd attended the former Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical and Normal College (AM&N), now known as the University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff, majoring in Chemistry. In 1958, Lloyd received his Bachelors of Science and was promptly drafted into the United States Army, entering as an officer. He would go on to serve his country for three years as a Chemist and was honorably discharged in 1961. In 1976, Lloyd earned his Master’s in Food Science from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Lloyd had a strong work ethic from the moment he was eligible to hold a job. He worked the printing presses for the local newspaper and then later on in college. Once Lloyd was honorably discharged from the US Army, he moved to Chicago, Illinois. He was employed by the Chicago Transit Authority as a bus driver and ultimately began his science career as a Civilian Chemist for the US Army in Chicago.
It was around that time in Chicago that Lloyd met the love of his life, Grady Lean Stiggers, his wife of over 60 years. The two were married in 1962 and welcomed their first child, Sherri Lynn Cox, shortly afterward. The young family moved to Framingham, MA when Lloyd was transferred to the newly commissioned US Army base, Natick Labs, in Natick, MA.
In 1967, their second child, Eric, was born in Framingham, MA. Two years later, tragedy struck when Sherri was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which eventually extinguished her bright light. It was a devastating loss. However,, Lloyd never let the memory of his first born child fade. He would tell stories about Sherri and keep her memory alive for the rest of his life. In 1973, Shane Cox was born in Framingham, MA. Three and half years later, in 1976 Alexandria (Cox) Campbell, was born in Natick, MA, where the family is now living.
Lloyd was a brilliant chemist who worked at Natick Labs for over 35 years. He is credited with two US patents for scientific procedures he developed during that time. Lloyd also worked nights for Continental Baking Company, better known as Wonder Bread. He spent 25 years at his second job, even working there full time for a while upon his retirement from Natick Labs. He finally retired from working life around 2002.
In 1996, Lloyd had a brand new focus - his first grandchild, Simone Alexis Ann Blake. Simone and “Poppie” had a special bond. He made sure Simone never wanted for anything and his love for her was something to behold. He always made sure she had a snack or juice box as a little girl and countless rides or help with homework when she was older. Whether it was holidays, birthdays, vacations, school events, graduations, or just wise words, Poppie was always there loving and supporting his granddaughter.
In 2020, Lloyd’s second grandchild was born, Blake Logan Campbell. This rambunctious and charming little boy enjoyed nearly two and half glorious years with his Poppie and has a striking resemblance to his grandfather in both look and mannerisms. We will all relive Poppie's life for Blake’s benefit, keeping his memory alive.
Lloyd was happiest around his family. He spent summers driving to Arkansas, Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit, Washington D.C area, California and anywhere else his extended family lived. As the oldest of his 14 brothers and sisters, he made it his business to see all of his siblings no matter the distance or circumstance. He was truly beloved by all of his brothers and sisters and remarkably maintained great relationships with all of them through the years.
Lloyd loved home cooked meals. Especially the ones cooked by his wife, Grady. He studied maps and loved to drive. He collected books and watched hours of documentaries, nature shows, and author talks. Lloyd had the analytical mind of a scientist, but the warmth and compassion of a trusted friend and mentor. He would do anything for his family and loved ones and once he found out you needed something, he made sure you had it. Lloyd was a man of few words and had a quiet disposition. He never sought attention or recognition. When he
spoke, however, it was from a place of compassion, experience, and love.
Lloyd was a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He served as treasurer of the South Middlesex NAACP for 10 years. He was actively involved in causes and support groups related to Prostate health, particularly for Black men.
Lloyd Cox leaves to mourn his beloved wife of over 60 years, Grady Cox, children Eric Cox, Shane Cox and Alexandria Campbell (Jelani), grandchildren Simone Blake and Blake Campbell, sisters Angelette White, Delorse Dixon (Travis), Dorothy Walker, Jean Wiley, and Verona Rettig, brothers Dwight Cox (Carol), Jerome Cox (Mary), and Vincent Cox (Audrey). Lloyd will be missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, friends, and colleagues.
Lloyd will join in heaven his mother Eliza Harris, father Thomas Cox, daughter Sherri Cox, brothers Benny Cox, Kingston Cox, Melvin Cox, Elbert Wiley, Larry Wiley, and Vescoe Walker.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 10:30 AM in Myrtle Baptist Church, 21 Curve St. West Newton. Visitation will be held immediately prior to the service from 9-10:30 AM
Livestream: http://www.facebook.com/myrtlebaptist
Donations in Lloyd's memory may be made to the Benevolence Fund at Myrtle Baptist Church by visiting
https://www.myrtlebaptist.org/