William Ulysses “Junior” Cox, 98, of Grafton, passed away at the Taylor Health Care Center in Grafton on Friday, July 19, 2024. He was born on May 26, 1926, in Grafton, but soon moved with his parents to their farm on York’s Run in Preston County. He was the son of Ulysses Sheridan and Hazel Wolfe Cox.
Bill is survived by his wife, Sarah Belle Kirby Cox. They were married on May 30, 1954, at the Nazarene Church in the community of Park View. Bill was a graduate of Fellowsville High School, class of 1943, where algebra was his favorite subject.
Straight out of high school, Bill was called to serve his country in WWII. He served in the Army in the Pacific Theatre, receiving multiple decorations and citations. They were as follows: an Asiatic Pacific Service ribbon with one Bronze Service Star, a Philippine Liberation Service Ribbon with one Bronze Service Star, Meritorious Unit Award G O # 98 31, March 1945, World War II Victory Medal Occupational Medal Japan.
Once home from Japan, Bill began his career as an employee of Musgrove’s Wholesale Grocery and worked his way up to being their sales representative for Taylor and the surrounding counties. He enjoyed being the fellow who stopped at small grocery stores and restaurants to take their orders. He made many good friends on his route, and he especially enjoyed his visits to Colasessano’s Restaurant in Fairmont, where he was always fed lunch.
He was employed by Builder’s Service and Supply of Grafton, WV and became .
