William Will N. Cox

William "Will" Nolan Cox, a strong 82 years old, made his transition into heaven on April 30, 2011. He died at his home in Ragley, LA, peacefully in his sleep, of natural causes. Will was a lifelong resident of Lake Charles. In his later years he retired to land that he dearly loved located in Ragley.

He was born on September 13, 1928, in Lake Charles, LA, the son of his late parents Cilton Paul and Yolande Cox. Will was one of eight children; Cilton Paul Cox, Jr. (deceased), Eva Cox Stepan, Sara Cox Chapman, Louise Cox Arens, Marie Cox, Eugene Cox, and James "Jimmy" Cox. For most of his adult life, Will was married to Elaine Hanchey Cox of DeRidder. They had eight children together. Will is survived by his eight adult children; Katina Cox Pontikes (Monty McDannald); Tony Cox (Evelyn Cox deceased); Damian Cox; Liane Cox Phillips (Marty Phillips); Kathryn Cox; Linda Cox; Paula Cox; Michael Cox (Brandi Reed-Cox). He is also survived by a host of grandchildren; Nicholas Pontikes, Dominique Cox, Connor and Callie Phillips, Emily and Adam Pellerin, Gavin Cox, and Bryce and Bruks Reed.

In his youth, Will served with the U.S. Navy. Thereafter, he attended McNeese State University in Lake Charles and later graduated from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. After graduating from college, Will worked first in Lake Charles City government and later in the insurance industry. When Will was 40 years old, ever the one to do things his own way, he entered law school with seven children, and he and Elaine had their eighth child before Will graduated. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from Loyola School of Law in New Orleans. After Law School, Will moved his family to Lake Charles and began practicing law with his younger brother Jimmy.

Will Cox was a man with a boundless heart. He had a blind eye to color. During periods of profound social unrest and racial disharmony in the south, Will always fully supported the civil rights of African Americans. Throughout his life, he moved in circles and had friends without limitations to race or social status.

Will Cox, beloved by so many, helped countless people during his lifetime. He loved people. People loved him. His generosity of spirit will never be forgotten.

His Funeral Mass will be, Tuesday, May 3, 2011, at 1:00 PM, in Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. Reverend Keith Pellerin will officiate. Burial will be in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be, Monday, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM, with a Rosary at 6:00 PM, and continue from 10:00 AM until 12:30 PM, Tuesday, in the funeral home.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Bob Granger, Andy McGlathery, Sam Homsi, Nick Pontikes, Connor Phillips, Adam Pellerin, Craig Comeaux, and Sean Jacques. Honorary pallbearers are Gavin Cox, Bryce and Bruks Reed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Catholic Charities or the Salvation Army.