Edward "Doug" Douglas Cox

Knowing he was well loved, Edward Douglas Cox died peacefully in a local hospital on January 27, 2011, following a brief illness. Cox was born in Paint Rock, Texas, February 9, 1923 to Mr. and Mrs. Edward Sterling Cox.

Cox married his lifelong sweetheart, Winnie Merle Adair, on June 12, 1943, forming a partnership filled with abiding love, laughter, song, friendship, family, community service, and commitment to their solid Christian faith which was reflected in their mutual love of God, country, family, and friends.

Throughout a busy, productive, and joyous lifetime, Cox was showered with honors, awards, and celebrity. He began his career as a student leader, football standout at Ballinger High School, Southern Methodist University, and McMurry College. These years launched a storied lifetime for a perpetually charming, humble man, who never stopped serving, giving, teaching, and achieving. In 1994 Cox was inducted into the Texas High School Hall of Fame, and in 2004, he was inducted into the McMurry University Hall of Fame.

At the age of 14, Cox lost his father and moved into premature manhood where he worked numerous jobs. He was sustained by his devoted mother whose courage and love made it possible for him to achieve his goals. Likewise, during these difficult years, aunts and uncles, coaches, and teachers helped frame his future and ingrained in him the solid values by which he lived.

College days were interrupted by WWII during which time Cox flew 24 missions over Germany as a waist gunner on a B-17 with the 8th Air Force. He returned to civilian life with a zest for learning and love of country. Upon return he completed his bachelors degree at McMurry followed by a Masters in Education.

Cox began his coaching career at Colorado City, then returned to Ballinger, eventually becoming head football coach. He coached the legendary 1953 state Bearcat team, but he also found time to serve on the board of the First Methodist Church, take an active role in community service, and continue his life as was a devoted father and husband.

In 1954, Cox became the athletic director of McMurry College where he led the team to a record-winning season. The lure of public education and high school sports pulled him from the college ranks and took him to Brownfield where he continued to coach high school football before becoming the high school principal. While in Brownfield he was a board member of the First United Methodist Church, member of both church and community choirs, president of the Lion’s club, director of the Texas High School Coach’s Association, chairman of the Children’s Home in Kerrville, and member of the Masonic Lodge among other activities.

In 1968, the Cox family returned to Ballinger where he became the high school principal, assistant superintendent, and ultimately superintendent of BISD before his retirement from public education. Upon retirement, Cox and his wife, Winnie Merle (also a lifelong educator), continued their careers as volunteers and mentors.

In Ballinger, Cox was on the library board, the president of Lion’s Club, president of the Chamber of Commerce, on the board of Methodist Church, a founder and vice president of the Ballinger Exes Association, president of the Texas Teacher’s Association, in addition to numerous other committees, foundations, and organizations. He spread his optimism, shared his laughter, and gave generously of his time and talents for the communities he loved and who loved him in return.

Doug Cox was preceded in death by two sisters, Minnie Cox Ayers and Sybil Cox Gregory;
a dearly loved brother-in-law, Dillard Adair; and a special sister-in-law, Midge Adair Neumeier.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Winnie Adair Cox; his three children: Gena Cox Bonds of Midland; son, Sterling Cox of Conroe; and Lela Cox Kelly of Austin; three grandchildren: Amanda Cox Jeter of Kansas City; Rainey Kelly of Austin; and Gena Cox Ettinger of Baltimore. He is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren; other survivors include nieces, Shelia Gregory Dankworth, Kay Tinkler, Jan Kurtz, and a special niece, Cyndi Neumeier of Chicago.

Services will be on Wednesday, February 2 at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Ballinger. The Reverends Buddy Moore and Lynn Smith will officiate; lifelong friend, Ebb Grindstaff, will deliver the eulogy, and interment with military honors will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Doug Bonds, E. Sterling Cox, Matt Cox, Joe Bonds, J.J. Kelly, and Luke Kelly. Honorary Pallbearers include Pinky Byers, Ebb Grindstaff, Tom Lee, T.G. Rose, and Morris Sweeney.

The family is especially grateful to Darlene McDaniels for her sustained faithful care and devotion, along with other caregivers, including Juanita Jackson, Judy Dean, Eva Villarreal, and Eloise Lopez.