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William Steele Cox, age 84, a resident of Washington, NC died Tuesday May 11, 2021 at Vidant Beaufort Hospital.

A graveside service will be held at Oakdale Cemetery and officiated by David Mason. Pallbearers include Steven Alligood, Logan Alligood, Kevin Newman, Holden Newman, Austin Newman, Mason Newman, Jim Cox, and Brian Swain.

Steele was born in Beaufort County on March 6, 1937 to the late William E. Cox and Polly S. Cox. He was a graduate of Bath High School and graduated from East Carolina University with a bachelors degree. On June 8, 1963 he married Brenda Mayo who survives. He enjoyed the outdoors, reading and was devoted to his family.

Steele’s family includes his wife Brenda M. Cox of the home; six children, Leigh Cox Swain, Kami Cox Newman and husband Kevin, Amy Cox Alligood and husband Steven, William “Bill” Brennan Cox , Reagan Cox Askew, Matthew Steele Cox and wife Sarah, all of Washington; nine grandchildren, Brianna Ashleigh Swain, Holden Eli Newman, Austin Luke Newman, Lauren Alexandra Alligood, Mason Steele Newman, Logan Wade Alligood, Dawson Rowland Askew, Hayden Matthew Cox, Adeline Grace Cox; four siblings, Sandi Evans, Shelia Jones, Jim Cox, Kerry Cox, all of Washington, and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Leigh Cox Swain; three grandchildren, Caleb “Kade” Askew, Morgan Kori Askew, Madison Faith Askew; and a brother, Gene Cox.

The family will receive friends at the home. 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in his or his daughter’s name, Leigh Cox Swain, to the American Cancer Society, 930-B Wellness Drive, Greenville, NC 27834.

Condolences may be addressed to the family online by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com 

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Cox family.