John William (Bill) Cox, 71 of Hillsville, VA passed away on Thursday, August 4, 2011 at his home in the loving arms of his family. Bill was the owner/operator of B & P Drive-In for over 40 years and also owned and operated Cox Livestock. Bill was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and was respected as a very humble, honorable, and hardworking man. He was an avid race fan, often traveling to many NASCAR races. Bill spent many vacations touring the Blue Ridge Parkway enjoying its beauty. He was a member of St. Josephs Catholic Church and the founder of the St. Josephs Parkinsons Support Group.

Bill was born in Anawalt, West Virginia and raised in Indian Valley. He was preceded in death by his parents John Powell and Dinah Quesenberry Cox; his first wife Peggy Cox and his step son John F. Brown. Survivors include his wife Mary Ann Cox of the home; daughters & son-in-law Debbie & Jimmy Edwards of Woodlawn and Rebecca Webb of Winston Salem, NC; grandchildren Zachary Edwards and Anna Edwards; sister & brother-in-law Maxie & Randolph Layman of Willis; brothers & sisters-in-law Hiram & Nancy Cox of Hillsville and Leonard & Martha Cox of Indian Valley; and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, August 8, 2011 at St. Josephs Catholic Church at 11:00 AM with Father Charles Brickner officiating. Burial will follow in the Turman Cemetery in Dugspur, Virginia. The family will receive friends at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel on Sunday, August 7, 2011 from 6:00 until 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations honoring Bill may be made to Twin County Hospice P.O. Box 106 Galax, VA 24333.