Marow W. Cox Jr., “Sonny” to his friends, died Tuesday, Sept. 1 after a hard-fought, courageous effort. He was 71.
Born to Marow and Inez Conley Cox in Garrett, Ky., he attended St. Camillus Academy in Corbin, Ky. and Eastern Kentucky University, studying industrial arts, in Richmond, Ky.
During college, he volunteered with the Appalachian Volunteers with the Council of Southern Mountains, supporting children in depressed areas, being an advocate for and promoting understanding of the programs available.
As a young man, he took two boat trips to the Bahamas on a 22-foot sailboat. This gave him a desire to have his own sailboat and live on the water.
He taught high school industrial arts and driver’s education in Louisville, Ky. for two years. He began a career with the L&N Railroad in 1970, which lasted until his retirement in 2004.
His employment with the L&N allowed him to achieve his dream of living on the water in 1972.
He married Elizabeth Street in 1974, a marriage that lasted until her death in 1996. He finally bought his sailboat when he moved to Fairhope in 1972, and joined the Fairhope Yacht Club in 1973.
His work for the L&N (later the CSX) took him all over the Gulf Coast for most of his career, leaving precious little time for his sailboat.
He married Sarah Johnston in 2002, and moved to the top of Sea Cliff to have the best view of the bay available. Together they enjoyed numerous sailing adventures around the near Gulf Coast in Sonny’s boat and many cruise line trips.
His restless spirit prompted him to make many remodeling projects at his lower bay houses and the Sea Cliff home — adding a glassed-in front porch, a gazebo for Sarah’s mother to sit in to enjoy the bay, stairs down to the water from the bluff and finally a handicapped-accessible addition to the home.
Sonny is survived by his Fairhope Yacht Club family and friends; his wife Sarah Johnston-Cox; a sister, Barbara (John) Hykes, one niece and two nephews; a brother, Larry (Kathy) Cox and two nephews.
Other cherished members of his family include the surviving brothers of Elizabeth Street Cox and their families, H.V. Street Jr. (Anne), William Street Jr. (Elizabeth), Clifford (Jean) and Harold Street (Cathy).
Sonny has embarked on another great adventure.
Any memorial may be sent to your favorite charity.
