Bookard Berry Cox, Jr. of Amarillo, Texas went to join the Lord in heaven on November 4, 2023, at the age of 98. He was born on a ranch in Sherman County Texas on the 3rd of June 1925 to Berry Gideon Cox and Rebecca M Dooley Cox. As a child he lived through the hard times of the Great Depression and in the heart of the Dust Bowl. As a child his earliest years were spent on the LIT Ranch at Tascosa, Texas and then growing up with his grandparents, Bookard Elias Dooley and Hester Dooley and his many uncles on a ranch outside of Sunray, Texas.
He was married on 21st of February 1944 at the age of 19 to the love of his life, Thelma Margret Popplewell, in Amarillo, Texas. The day they were married they had to rush back to Sunray so he would work the night shift at the oil refinery. Still a teenager and recently married he saw combat in the jungles of the Philippines and was part of the occupation of Japan. He and Thelma were married for over 79 years. They had two sons, Berry Thomas Cox and Larry Dean Cox.
They moved to Amarillo in 1950 where Berry established a successful paint contracting business. His company painted literally thousands of homes in the Amarillo area over a period of more than 60 years. Many of the homes were built by Dave Cervin, one of Amarillo’s most prolific and quality home builders.
Berry was an avid bowler and was inducted into the Texas Bowling Hall of Fame, the National Bowling Hall of Fame and he won the Amarillo City Championship more than once. He was a role model for fathers, for years he could be seen with a station wagon full of kids being taken to ball practices, games, and movies. He was always the first to step up and help friends, neighbors and those in need. He and Thelma lived in the same house on NE 16th street for over 70 years. Initially their home was only 800 sf and with his own hands he took the home to over 4000 square feet of perfection.
These are all things that he did, but he is most remembered as a man that every morning could be seen kissing his wife before heading to work and giving her a kiss and a hug when he came home every day. He was a true joy as a father and a husband.
Berry is lovingly survived by his wife of 79 years; sons, Berry and his wife Dee, and Larry and wife Judy; granddaughter, Channing; grandsons, Cody, and Matthew and his wife Amy; great-grandchildren, Branch, Miles, Grady, Karis and Elizabeth, Ty, Courtney and Claire; great-great-granddaughter, Joy; and great-great-grandson, Beckett.
The family wishes to acknowledge the care and treatments received by Berry from the Amarillo Veterans Administration Hospital and its Community Living Center, Home Care Connections, and the Hero’s organization. The genuine and sincere care provided was always timely and professional. The area VA staff in Amarillo is truly and exceptional organization. The family also would like to express their appreciation to the staff and residents of the Craig Retirement Center in Amarillo. Moving from their home of 70 years was a difficult challenge. However, the staff and residents of the The Craig accepted then with open arms and every day made to feel like they were members of a new and wonderful family. At every turn they were shown warmth, love and acceptance.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M., Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home.
Services will be at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at the Texas Panhandle War Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.
I only met ‘Pa’ a few times , but knew so much of him from Michele and the grandkids who had the highest praise of him. He will be sorely missed by all those who knew and loved him. Many prayers for you all, especially Granny Sis.
I am sending my most sincere to the Cox family. I took care of Mr. Cox for a short period, but he was one of my favorites. He was always so sweet to us and had the most adorable smile. Thelma you and your family are in my prayers.
Tamara Smith
Thelma- you and Berry were such a huge part of my young life. I have so many sweet memories of you both. You were so gracious and welcoming to me and my family. Mom & Dad cherished the fun times they had with you both. I am so sorry that I cannot be there to hug you and be at Berry’s Memorial. I am with you in spirit and will love you both always.
Love you – Kathy Cox Armstrong
Berry, I’m so saddened to hear of your dad passing. What a great man he was and the legacy he has left behind in his kids and grandkids. I always think of his sweet smile and sense of humor! Please give my love to your faithful mom…it’s still hard for me to believe that they got married 7 months before I was even born! What a testimony of what a marriage was intended to be! As much as I know he will be missed, I also realize he is in the best place possible now awaiting the rest of us who worship a loving and patient God. May God bless you, and give peace unimaginable to your mom and your family during the days ahead. I love you, brother. -jerry
Berry, You were not only Blessed to share so many years with your father; but to have gotten his fine
looks. To have grown up with such a wonderful couple provided you with examples of Love and Life which you will always remember. His example made you the fine example of the “TEXAN” that you are. May God continue to Bless you and your entire Family.
Berry, your Dad sounds like he was a great and good fellow, and super father. Mine died when I was only 6, so I envy your life with him. Knowing you, I wouldn’t have thought him to be any less than the fine , upstanding gentleman his Obit describes. Joy and I are sorry for your loss…..
I’m so sorry for your loss. Mr. Cox was a great man and. True friend. He and Mrs. Cox have always been some of my closest friends. I can remember that each time Joyce and I wheeler around he always wanted to visit. I feel Inlearned a lot from him. He was one who care md about all those around him. I know he is and will be missed. All the time I spent with both he and Mrs Cox made me understand what it is like to hav a deep love for someone. I know they lived each other immensely and still do. RIP Sir! You have earned the eternal rest you now have. And thank you for being a great friend.
Junior was the sweetest, kindest man I have ever known. I was lucky enough to be a part of their family for a few years long ago, and I will always cherish the memories. He and Sis both showed me what love and grace were all about.
Sis, you are in my heart. I know you are surrounded by love.
What a sweet rely, Diane! I remember you well from those days back in the 70’s when we met for the first time in Austin. Glad you are doing well. God bless! – jerry glazener
He was a wonderful man, kind to all, and treating all as he would want to be treated. Always smiling and such a giving man. The world is a better place because of him, just as heaven is today! Prayers for Granny Sis and their family🙏