Whether cooking, doing magic tricks, telling stories, pulling pranks, or fixing just about anything, Bill Cox is one of Ruston’s most beloved characters. And believe it or not, the local legend is turning 90 this week. That means it’s time for a party.
Origin Bank will host a special reception in his honor from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Thursday, July 31, at its new downtown location, 400 North Trenton Street. Friends and members of the community are invited and encouraged to stop by and help Cox celebrate.
Born August 2, 1935, in Many, Louisiana, Cox arrived in Ruston to attend Louisiana Tech University, where he graduated with a degree in geology in 1959. He owned and operated Cox’s Shell Station from 1960 – 1984, where he became known as “Mr. Everything.” He left his business to return to Louisiana Tech, where he served as its Director of Athletic Promotions and later as Director of Athletic Facilities. Upon his retirement from Tech, Cox immediately moved to Cedar Creek School in Ruston, where he worked from 1996 to 2007 before retiring. Yet, despite being “retired,” he remains vibrant and active throughout the Lincoln Parish community.
A member of Temple Baptist Church, where he is a deacon, Sunday School Director, greeter/usher, and cherished cook, Cox has amassed some two dozen awards for his service to Louisiana Tech, Cedar Creek, and the Ruston community. Among those are Tech’s “Top Dog” Award and 2014 Alumnus of the Year as well as the Robert E. Russ Award in 2001 and the Bill Best Humanitarian Award in 2007 – two of Lincoln Parish’s highest distinctions. The city of Ruston honored him with a “Bill Cox Day” in 1996, which included a proclamation by then-Louisiana Governor Mike Foster and the Louisiana State Senate Award for dedicated service to the community, university, and state.
Please make plans to join Origin Bank on July 31 as it honors Bill Cox and celebrates a life well-lived and dedicated to serving this community for over 70 years.
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