Joseph Cox
July 17, 1949 - July 9, 2026
Pastor Joseph Cox, age 76, of Lawton, Oklahoma, passed away on July 9, 2026. He was born on July 17, 1949, in Shreveport, Louisiana, and lived a life marked by devotion to God, service to country, love for family, and steadfast commitment to others.
He was the son of the late Jim Hamilton and the late Tommie Lee Cox. He was also preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Sharon Brown, and his brother, Jesse Cox. He is survived by his wife, Gwendolyn Cox; his children, Sedoine Williams, Roderick Williams, Billy Ray Williams Jr., Rita Bush Williams, and Schlunda Leslie; his brother, Frank Hamilton, and sister-in-law, Jeneva Hamilton; 13 grandchildren, Brittney Cook, Bertram Brown and his wife, Kenya Brown, Patience Poole and her husband, Cornell Poole, Sidney Williams, Nicholas Williams, Elias Williams, Roderick Williams Jr., Passion Williams, Servonte Williams, Deondre Williams, Trey Williams; and 12 great-grandchildren, Amilliana Cook, Teauna Cook, DeCardo Cook, Adrianna Cook, Cairo Poole, Zayden Williams, Ziyah Williams, Elijah Brown, Ethan Brown, Rahmeir Williams, Ivy Williams, and Elora Williams. He also leaves behind a host of relatives, friends, church members, and loved ones who will cherish his memory.
Joseph attended Butler Elementary School in 1955 and later graduated from Charlotte Mitchell High School. In 1969, he entered the United States Army and began a distinguished military career that would span many years of honorable service. He served in the Vietnam War and earned numerous awards and commendations, including the Vietnam Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar, along with many other ribbons, medals, and accommodations recognizing his faithful service.
Throughout his military career, he served as a food service specialist for 27 years and 8 months and as an administrative specialist for 17 years and 7 months. He pursued excellence through continued professional development and completed the U.S. Army Sergeant Major Academy, NCO Academy, Brigade Leadership Course, Dining Facility Management Course, NCO Advanced Course, Food Service Sergeants Course, and Inspector General Course. His dedication, discipline, and leadership left a lasting impression on all who served alongside him.
Joseph received Christ into his life in 1983 while in Hohenfels, Germany, where he served God and faithfully worked in ministry at Miracle Deliverance Center. His faith became the foundation of his life, and he remained committed to sharing the love of Christ through his words, actions, and example. In 1996, he became Pastor of Antioch Revival Center in Keithville, Louisiana. In 2002, he answered another call to ministry when he became Founder and Pastor of Reaching Souls for Christ Ministry in Shreveport, Louisiana. His pastoral work reflected his deep compassion, spiritual wisdom, and sincere desire to lead others toward a closer walk with God.
Outside of his ministry and military service, Joseph was known for his determination and endurance. He ran the 18th Annual Honolulu Marathon, number 5046, in 1990, and returned to run in the 19th Annual Honolulu Marathon, number 3454, in 1991. These accomplishments were a testament to his perseverance and the strength of character that defined so much of his life.
Those who knew Pastor Joseph Cox will remember him as a loving, wise, and faith-filled man. He carried himself with dignity, spoke with purpose, and lived with a heart committed to serving God, family, and community. His life was a blessing to many, and his legacy will continue through the countless lives he touched with kindness, leadership, and unwavering faith. Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will remain a source of comfort and inspiration to all who were privileged to know him.
A repass for family and friends will be hosted at Friendship Pentecostal Holiness Church 1408 SW Pennsylvania Ave. Lawton, OK immediately following the Graveside Service.
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