Junior "Sam" Samuel Cox

Junior Samuel Cox, age 74, known as Sam, of Muses Mill, died Tuesday, January 10, 2024, at St. Claire HealthCare in Morehead at 9:48 a.m. surrounded by family.  

Sam was born in Clay County, Kentucky, on June 9, 1949; he was the oldest child and first son of the late Mary Ann Lawson and William Cox. 

Sam was preceded in death by his daughter, Joyce Nicole Cox; his mother, Mary Ann Lawson, his father; William Cox, his beloved baby brother, Philip Cox; and his three best friends, Zeb, Calvin, and Angel, his dogs. 

At a young age Sam was curious and loved exploring, especially taking long walks with his first friend, Pap. He got his first Bible when he was just a small child for memorizing 100 Bible verses. In the mountains, that was an accomplishment because education and church were not nearly as important as the work that needed to be done, so he missed out on both more often than not. He moved with his mother and siblings from the mountains of Barboursville to Richmond where he grew up and started working. 

Sam was a mason by trade until he retired on his mountain in the home he built with his wife and girls. Sam was a collector of guns, knives and pocket watches. He always knew where the best flea markets were and enjoyed a new pawn shop to visit. Sam spent many years "on First Street in Richmond" but had been sober for 34 years. He always said, "I haven’t quit drinking; I’m just not going to drink today.”

In 2000 Sam's first cabin in the woods burned down and while rebuilding his home, he suffered another loss. Sams biggest fear was to bury a child and yet he lost one of his daughters in 2001; he looked forward to the day he would be with her again. He liked to reference the story of Job in the Bible because he often felt Job's strength in the Lord kept him on path with his own struggles. He spent his last days telling stories, watching his grandchildren pioneer in the woods, feeding the hummingbirds and talking to his dogs. He was a true mountain man till the end and only a cabin in the corner of glory would be his forever home. 

Sam is survived by his wife of 48 years, Betsy Cox of Muses Mill; oldest daughter, Janie Denton, (Charlie) of Lancaster; his youngest daughter, Jessica (Stephen) Cox of Lancaster; grandchildren, Zachary Denton (Ashley) of Harrodsburg, Lillian Denton of Lancaster, Johnny Denton (Nikita) of Wolfe County, Mason Samuel, Ethan, Alicia, Lily, Adam, Lucas, Kinley, Audrey, James, Caitlin, Laci, Alyssa, Nicholas, DJ, Christopher and Kim; and many great grandchildren.

Anyone that knew him, knew how much he loved his daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren; they made him the proudest. 

A celebration of life and spreading of his ashes at the buttercups (Goddard Mountain) will be announced at a later date for all family and friends by his request.

Arrangements are under the direction of Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351.

View or sign online guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com

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