Joseph Wayne Cox

Joseph Wayne Cox, 70, of Holly Springs, NC, passed away peacefully in his sleep early in the morning on Friday, December 31, 2021, at home. He was born to the late Limon (Buddy) Cox and Iphagene (Gene) Carpenter Cox on July 3, 1951, in Henderson, Kentucky. He grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he graduated from Jefferson High School and attended Kirkwood Community College.

Joe proudly served his country in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He retired from IBM Corporation after 30 years of service and then worked part time at Duke University in the Athletics Department for several years, before completely retiring in 2018.

Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Kathryn Abernethy Cox of the home; his sons, Nathan Hines of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Robert Cox (Sarah) of Wynantskill, New York; his step- sons, Chase Wexel (Elaine) of Willow Spring, NC, and Shane Wexel, whereabouts unknown; his grandchildren, Cameron, Colin (Brooke) and Sawyer Hines of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Jasmine Hines of Waterloo, Iowa; Carly Federer (Travis) of Smithfield, NC; and Lily and Jaden Ackerman of Willow Spring, NC. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Deany Abernethy, sister-in-law, Kim Abernethy Kistler, both of Goose Creek, SC; and six great-grandchildren, Jaida, Elizabeth, Lilly, William, Kora, and Scarlet.

Joe loved music and playing the guitar, riding Harleys, cooking, and spending time with his family and friends. He will be deeply missed. He had a huge, kind heart for animals, especially dogs; and the family requests that in lieu of flowers, if you wish, to contribute in his name to the Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue, PO Box 37156, Raleigh, NC 27627. He and Kathy volunteered with them for years and adopted and fostered a number of their dogs. He enjoyed it immensely and it is a wonderful organization that was close to his heart.

A memorial service for Joseph will be held Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Apex Funeral Home, 550 W Williams St, Apex, NC 27502, followed by a visitation at 3:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.apexfuneral.net for the Cox family.