William “Bill” Cox, 57, of Lexington, passed away Monday, September 24, 2018, at his home.
Bill was born May 29, 1961, in Portsmouth, Ohio, to Tom Q. and Wanda B. Smith Cox. A native of Lewis County, he lived most of his adult life in North Carolina and most recently, Lexington.
Bill earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in social work from the University of Kentucky and a Master of Arts in student personnel administration from Eastern Kentucky University. He had a 33 year career as a director of financial aid at various universities in Kentucky and North Carolina, transitioning to deputy director of grants, training and outreach for North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority.
Bill was past president of both the North Carolina and Southern Associations of Student Financial Aid Administrators. He was a member of the Kentucky Association. Among many distinctions, he was awarded the Eleanor S. Morris Distinguished Service Award, the highest award given by the NCASFAA.
In addition to his parents, who reside at Vanceburg, survivors include his siblings, Tom (Karen) Cox Jr. of Vanceburg, Tara (Mike) Thornberry of California, Kentucky, Dee (Ken) Downs of Mt. Washington, Andy (Deana) Cox of Maysville, and Jason Cox of Vanceburg. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
In lieu of flowers and in honor of his lifetime dedication to a career in higher education, memorials for scholarships are suggested to Maysville Community and Technical College, Development Office, 1755 US Hwy 68, Maysville, KY 41056 or Lewis County Educational Foundation, PO Box 34, Vanceburg, KY 41179.
A Memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 29, 2018, at Vanceburg Christian Church.
Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of services Saturday at the church.
Gaydos Funeral Home in Vanceburg is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to at www.gaydosfh.com.
