Billy Keith Cox

Funeral services for Billy Keith Cox will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Sequoyah Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Claremore.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. at MMS-Payne Funeral Home, with the family greeting friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Billy Keith Cox passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the age of 83.

Billy was born on December 12, 1942, in Bunch, Oklahoma, to William Otis and Mary Zelma (Cochran) Cox. As the son of an educator, his childhood was spent in several communities, including Bunch, and Watts. He graduated from Watts High School with the Class of 1961.

Following graduation, Billy began working for Franklin Electric in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. During that time, a visit to the local Dairy Freeze would forever change his life when he met a young lady named Sherry Clinton. Though naturally quiet and reserved, Billy eventually worked up the courage to ask her on a date. As fate would have it, they both later found themselves working in Tulsa, where Billy had accepted a position with Southwestern Bell Communications. Their relationship continued to grow, and they were married on July 23, 1967, at Grace Baptist Church in Tulsa.

Billy and Sherry began their married life in Tulsa before deciding to move to Claremore in 1977 to raise their growing family. Billy remained a dedicated employee of Southwestern Bell throughout his career, retiring in 1999 after 33 years of service.  Bill was also as a faithful member of Sequoyah Baptist Church for many years,

Billy enjoyed a variety of hobbies throughout his life. He loved fishing, tending to his garden, and took great pride in keeping his yard immaculate. He was a devoted Oklahoma Sooners fan and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer them on. Billy also loved to travel, visiting approximately 45 of the 50 states, along with destinations including Hawaii, Alaska, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, and many other memorable places.

While he enjoyed seeing the country, nothing brought Billy greater happiness than spending time with his family. When his children were young, he coached their softball and baseball teams, creating memories that would last a lifetime. As his grandchildren grew older, he faithfully attended their sporting events, school activities, and other special occasions, always their biggest supporter and proudest fan.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, William Otis and Mary Zelma  Cox; his beloved grandmother, Lillian "Granny" Cochran; and his sister, Norma Matlock.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Sherry Cox; his children, Donnie Cox and wife, Gayla, and Kristi Steidley and husband, Troy; his grandchildren, Tia Steidley and Chris Bruner, Taylor Longwell and husband, Chris, Dr. Braden Steidley and his fiancée, Dr. Mackenna Davison, Tyler Cox and wife, Dr. Sloane, Taryn Cox and Trevor, Hays and John Bruner; his brother, Vernon Cox; his sister, Colleen Worley and brother in law, Burl Hammer along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Billy will be remembered as a quiet, humble man whose actions spoke louder than words. He was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather.