85, a native of Pitt County, died Monday, October 19, at Ovealstone Comfort Home in Bowie, MD. , He was the son of the late Noah Cox and Florence Hardy Cox.

He was a graduate of G. C. Hawley High School and North Carolina A & T State University, where he received a degree in Electrical Engineering and a degree in Education. He was a veteran of the Korean War.

He was a member of First Baptist Church where he served as chairman of the Board of Deacons, a trustee, Superintendent of Sunday School, and was a member of the choir.

His first love was the Oxford Colored Orphanage (now Central Children's home), where he devoted much time, service and financial support. He also served on the Board of Directors.

Sam was a member of Blooming Star Masonic Lodge #53 where he was a pass Worshipful Master, a former member of Imran Temple #158 and American Legion Hester Crews Post #166. He served for many years on the North Carolina Citizens Council. He was interested in bringing about justice and equal opportunities to the black communities.

He retired from Granville County Schools and became owner of Oxford Insurance Agency and Oxford Travel Agency.

He was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather and a friend to Granville County. He was predeceased by his wife and college sweetheart, Esther Winston Cox and his son, Samuel Cox, Jr.

Surviving are a daughter, Deborah Cox Martinez (Carlos) of Bowie, MD; five grandsons, Patrick Martinez, Zackery Martinez, Jordan Martinez, Samuel Martinez all of Bowie, MD, and Samuel Cox III of Raeford; two granddaughters, Megan Bellamy and Briana Williams; and family matriarch, Eunice H. Cox of Mitchellville, MD.

A Service of Remembrance will be conducted Saturday, Nov. 7 at 2:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church by Rev. Lacy Joyner.

The family is being assisted by Wright Funeral home.