Howard Russell Cox

Howard R. Cox of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, passed away Saturday, May 20, 2023, at the age of 90.

His greatest passions were his family, his friends, his farm and his cows.  He loved nothing more than driving through the pasture to check on his new calves and their mommas.

Howard, known as Big H to many, was born on January 4, 1933, in Biggers, Arkansas, to Ratha and Myrtle Poteet Cox.  He was the youngest of five boys.

He graduated from Biggers High School in 1951.  In a class of only nine girls and four boys, he met the love of his life, Winnie Sue Evans.  They were married for sixty-four years, and they had five children. 

Howard was a member of The Church of Christ of Arkadelphia, and he was a lifetime Mason.

Howard was a farmer.  At various times, he farmed watermelons, cotton, soybeans, milo, rice, corn and hogs, and he ended with cows and hay. 

He was an avid hunter and fisherman.  In his late teens, he pitched for The St. Louis Cardinals’ farm team.  He loved to play dominos, and he owned a pool hall at one time.  He read every book Louis L’Amour wrote at least three times.  He went to Alaska twenty-five times with his best friend, Joey Summerhill, to hunt, fish and, in later years, to simply enjoy nature.

Howard enjoyed telling stories (which could be embellished according to his audience.)  He loved his morning coffee conversations at Andy’s before heading to the farm.  All were welcome at the red barn to work, borrow tools (some are still missing), hear the latest story, or an old one, or have a drink (after five of course.)

He was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-four years, Winnie Sue Cox; his son, Terry Cox and his granddaughter, Lindsey Beth Myers.

Left to cherish his memory are his children: Rebecca (Patrick) Downey, Beverly (Kenny) Myers, Russell (Gina) Cox, Tracy (Charlotte) Cox and his daughter-in-law Debbie Cox; six grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Howard’s visitation will be held Thursday, May 25, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. with the memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Ruggles Wilcox Funeral Home in Arkadelphia.

Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to The Clark County Humane Society or The Church of Christ of Arkadelphia.

Arrangements are entrusted to Ruggles Wilcox Funeral Home, 517 Clay Street, Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923.