Michael Patrick Cox

Michael Patrick Cox, age 66, of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, rode into the Kingdom of Heaven on June 28, 2024, doing what he loved most. 

Michael was born March 19, 1958, in New Haven, CT to parents Norman Ross and Myrtle Louise Cox.  

Michael grew up in Hudson, MA, on the same street with numerous aunts, uncles and cousins and remained especially close with cousins Donna and Bonnie throughout the years. Growing up in Hudson, he spent time with his best friend Mark Saliga and many other friends playing hockey on the frozen river in the New England winters, riding motorcycles, and had many adventures in downtown Hudson. Mark and Michael remained best friends for life. They could count on and trust each other to do anything for one another and their families. Michael Graduated from Hudson High School in 1976 where he lettered in Tennis. 

After graduation, Michael served honorably in the United States Navy, achieving the rank of E4 First Class Petty Officer, Sailing on the USS White Plains from 1977-1983 During his military service he received several military awards including the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, and Humanitarian Service Medal. In 1990, Michael transitioned to Texas with his daughters where he obtained his pilot license, bachelor’s degree, and CPA. In 2003, Michael and his wife Jana relocated to Maryland where they found comfort and an abundance of love from their close friends/second family, Shawn, Imelda, Shannon, Joe, Gordy, Rian, Camy, as well as the Roman-Findlay family. 

Michael was a smart and witty man who had and told the most incredible stories of his Navy adventures both at sea and at port of numerous countries. Michael had most recently retired as Project Manager with KOPIS. He spent a lot of his time playing golf and tennis as well as riding his motorcycles. While living in Clarksburg, MD he became a faithful member of the FreeRider Motorcycle Club where he loved to ride for charity and was known by the name “Dallas”. He maintained his membership and close friends of the club while living in Arkansas.  

In addition to his wife Jana of 21 years, Michael is survived by daughters, Courtney Cox (Sean) of Olympia, WA, Stephanie Tapia (Daniel) of Waxahachie, TX and stepsons Joshua Loera (Monica) of McKinney, TX and Abraham Loera (Amy) of Charles Town, WV. He is also survived by siblings Sharon Thompson (Wayne) and Craig Cox.  

He was affectionately known as “Poppy” to grandchildren Katy Grace, Ashlyn, Owen, Izabella Grace, Izaiah, Charlie, Noah, Mia and Laith. 

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a stepson, Elijah Loera. 

In a last act of compassion, Michael was able to be an organ/tissue donor to several individuals in need. 

Along with his wife, Michael attended Balboa Baptist Church in Hot Springs Village. His family would like to extend special thanks to friends and members from Balboa Baptist Church for their support during this time. 

A celebration of life service will be planned with information forthcoming.