Willie Emmett Cox

OBITUARY (The Perfect Play) It was a Sunday on June 18, 1950, in Alexandria, Virginia, when I kicked my way into this world. I was told that everyone loved the 6- pound, 5-ounce bouncing baby boy named Willie Emmett Cox whom my parents, Emmett and Mildred O. (Copeland) Cox, placed in the end zone. Under my mother’s guidance, I accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by the late Rev. Harvard M. Chapman, Pastor of the Bethlehem Baptist Church in Gum Springs, Alexandria, VA. I was also raised in Gum Springs, where I attended Fairfax County Public Schools and graduated from Fort Hunt High School in 1968. After attending Northern Virginia Community College for two years, I secured a job, rather than completing my degree. My adulthood began. When my job relocated to Prince Frederick, MD, I met Fern Holland, the back-up quarterback on my team. Although the relationship did not last, a new center joined the team, my son, Derian Will Cox. I was a die-hard NFL football fan, and on game day during football season, everyone knew where to find me – watching football. As a devoted and avid Redskins fan (now Washington Football Team), I was pretty reasonable about questionable calls, but if a bad call was made on the football field, watch out! Hail to the Redskins! or Let’s go Skins! is what I shouted until the end. Good or bad, win or lose, I loved my football team. In addition to my love for the burgundy and gold, I also loved to play golf and sport my Adidas outfits. Spending time with my family meant it was tailgate time! Tailgate was year-round. While I tackled various challenges, struggles and turnovers, the encouraging words from my family pushed me to persevere scoring several two-point conversions. My loving family’s faith in God was strong and motivated me each and every day. On January 30, 2021, I scored my last touchdown, with no penalties, and the field goal kick was good, so I received the extra point, eternal life! And now comes the hard part, the part in my playbook that touches my heart. Time for me to tell you about all my beloved family and friends that I leave behind to celebrate my life and our memories. My son, Derian Will Cox of Prince Frederick, MD; mother, Mildred O. Cox of Alexandria, VA; two sisters, Veronica Cox of Indianapolis, IN, and Queen Cox of Alexandria, VA; one brother, Barrymore C. Cox of Las Vegas, NV; a favorite nephew, George (Saara) Cox of Spencer, MA; favorite niece, Tamieka Cox of Upper Marlboro, MD; two great nephews, Jordan E. Cox of Spencer, MA, and Kaion Cox of Upper Marlboro, MD; two great nieces, Delaney M. Cox of Spencer, MA, and Taiyah Cox of Upper Marlboro, MD; special friends, Tony Mack (Faye) of Ft. Washington, MD; John Locke of Clinton, MD; Robert Singletary of Alexandria, VA; and a host of other relatives and friends. Dear loved ones and friends, my legacy lives on in your hearts, shed some tears if you must, but know that I am doing fine.

Tributes

Willie Emmett Cox

June 18, 1950 - January 30, 2021