Ralph Herbert Cox

Name: Masonic Service
Start: 07/02/2018 07:00 AM
Location: Kopler-Williams Funeral Home

May 19, 1927 — June 27, 2018

Fillmore --- Ralph Herbert Cox, a former resident of Fillmore, died peacefully on June 27, 2018 with his family by his side in Morgan Estates, Geneseo. He was born on May 19, 1927 in Hagerstown, Maryland, a son of the late Joseph H. and Olive B. Barker Cox. On August 21, 1948 he married V. Rosalea VanDruff who survives.

Ralph, the oldest of 14 children, and his family moved from his birthplace in Hagerstown, Maryland back to New York when he was very young. After attending Nunda School, Ralph enlisted in the Navy in 1945 where he spent 14 months serving on the following ships; SS Fairisle, a troop ship; the USS Dixie, a destroyer tender and the flagship of the 7th fleet; and the USS Orvetta. He was stationed at the naval operating base in Shanghai before returning to the states.

Ralph met Rose and they married in 1948. They settled in Barkertown, Nunda where they began to raise their children and eventually settled in Fillmore where they spent the next 40 years. Ralph found employment driving truck for Worster Motor Lines and he drove truck for his father carrying sawdust for Carborundum Company in Niagara Falls. In later years he worked for Frank R. Hall and Mobil hauling fuel. In 1966, he and Rose opened their first NAPA store, Nunda Auto Parts, in Nunda. They grew their business and eventually owned 5 NAPA stores in various towns with their son Randy. They have celebrated 52 years owning the business this year and their son Randy continues on with this legacy.

Ralph served on many committees and was involved in many community activities. He was a member of the Nunda Station Lodge 682, Rotary Club, Shriners, Cuba Hospital Board of Directors, Nunda School Board and was actively involved with the Handicapped Children’s Camp.

Surviving in addition to his loving wife of nearly 70 years are their six children, Gary Cox of Florida, Larry (Pam) Cox of Anderson, SC, Janice (William) Hudson of Nunda, Randy (Marcie) Cox of Nunda, Jody (Chandler) Cutting of Elizabethtown, PA, Renee (David) Fanaro of Leicester, 14 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren three brothers, Phil, Don, and Roger Cox, six sisters, Lois, Eva, Eleanor, Ginny, Betty Jean and Barbara and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by 3 brothers Ronald, Jack & Joseph Cox and a sister, Mary Jane.

Friends and family may gather from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 7:00 to 9:00 pm on Monday, July 2, 2018 at the Kopler-Williams Funeral Home, 21 N. Genesee Street, Fillmore where a Masonic Service will be held at 7:00 pm that evening. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at 10:00 am the Oakland Wesleyan Church. Chandler Cutting, Ralph’s son-in-law, will officiate. Burial with Military Honors will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Nunda.

Memorials if desired to: Sunshine Camp, Rochester Rotary Charitable Trusts

180 Linden Oaks, Suite 200, Rochester, NY 14625, Livingston County Hospice or the Brooks Hose Fire Department, Fillmore.

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