Otis Graham Cox, Jr., 81, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at Sundale Nursing home with his devoted wife of 39 years, Wanda Woodlon Cox, by his side.
Otis was born the only boy and youngest child in Winston-Salem, N.C., on October 29, 1941, to the late Otis Graham Cox, Jr. and Geraldine Gaither Cox.
His siblings Tremayne Cox and Patricia A. McDaniel predeceased him, as well as his first wife and mother of his children, Zelma Adams Cox.
As an infant, Otis’ family moved to East Baltimore, Md., where he was educated in the public school system and was one of the first Black students to integrate his high school. After high school, Otis received his B.S. degree from Savannah State University in Georgia and a MPA from Suffolk University in Boston, MA. As Otis had accepted Christ at a very young age, he studied theology at USC in Washington, DC USDOJ DPA Grad Program.
His education afforded him work experience in teaching, engineering, and later as a Special Agent for the FBI. He was hired on March 17, 1969. After a long and successful career with the FBI, Otis retired and worked in various other capacities of security and investigation.
He served on many Boards, including at WVU, BBT Bank, Boys & Girls Club of America, Foundation Board at Fairmont State College; Past President, Rotary International Cheat Lake; former Exalted Ruler of Morgantown Elks Lodge #411 (and other capacities); Director of Personnel & Director of EEO for State of WV; Director of Operations & Project Manager, Action Facilities Management; Cabinet Secretary for Military Affairs & Public Safety, State of WV; and Deputy Administrator for NHTSA under George H. Bush. He is forever a brother of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
Otis’ final employment venture during retirement landed him as a Security Officer with the Marriott Waterfront Hotel. There he began to experience significant memory and physical decline related to Alzheimer’s. He was soon placed into Sundale Nursing Home where he was provided tender, loving care.
Otis was a long-time and faithful member of Greater St. Paul AME Church in Morgantown. He loved his church and his church family. He especially loved to teach Sunday School, and he did so until COVID closed the church in 2020.
Besides his loving wife, those remaining to cherish his memory include his daughter and two sons, Wendi Lindler, Kevin (Catherine) Cox, and Keith (Mindy Parsley) Cox; six grandchildren, Jonathan Lindler, Alexis Lindler, Joshua Lindler, Ariana Lindler, Christina Cox, and Caitlin Cox; and three-great-grandchildren, Tyson, Alexandria (Dria), and Adrien; many dear cousins, nieces, nephews and one Aunt, Jaye.
Friends may join the family to honor Otis’s life and legacy at Smith Funeral & Cremation Care, 108 Holland Ave., Westover /Morgantown, from noon on Sunday, May 21, until the time of the funeral service at 2 p.m. officiated by Rev. Georgia B. Morrow, Pastor of St. Paul AME Church. Otis will then be cremated following the funeral service at his request.
Condolences:
www.smithfcc.com
