Felix G. Cox

Felix G. Cox, 70, passed from this life on Monday, February 17, 2014, with his family at his side. Felix was born in Shallotte, North Carolina, to Arren T. and Myrtle Kitchen Cox on March 17, 1943. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Sharon Cox.

Felix grew up around the water fishing the inlets of North Carolina and after graduation from high school joined his older brother Edwin in the shrimp industry, on boats in the Gulf of Mexico. He later turned to fishing for red snapper and other gulf reef fish. He was a past member of the Red Snapper Advisory Panel with the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, fishery consultant to Environmental Defense 1999-2002. He was a member of Ad-Hoc Red Snapper IFQ advisory panel for the GMFMC in 2002. He provided testimony for the National Research Council’s fact finding committee on Individual Fishing Quotas and was active in lobbying the United States Congress for better fisheries legislation. Felix authored and co-authored numerous pro-IFQ papers and articles, many of which have been published in magazines and newspapers. He participated in television documentaries on fisheries  issues- Texas Parks and Wildlife’s “A Sad Harvest”, Texas State Aquarium in conjunction with South Texas Public Broadcasting System, “Wonders Under the Sea”. He participated in a film documentary for the Texas Legacy Project, archives held at Center for American History, University of Texas at Austin, Texas. He was a recipient of “National Fisherman” magazine’s 1998 Highliner Award in recognition of contributions to the fishing industry.

Felix’s next venture was in real estate development. He picked up skills and learned about real estate from his Grandfather in North Carolina. Felix was also an avid gardener, the head of Cox’s Family Farm and was everyone’s go to guy for their fresh tomatoes and so much more. He produced more than family could handle and shared with those around him. His natural ability and talent for woodworking is apparent everywhere in the home he shared with his wife Sharon and with many other unique, custom furniture pieces and playhouses built for family. He was a gifted singer and guitarist. We have many memories of North Carolina with his talented brother and sister on Mama’s porch. His musical legacy lives on in his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents;  brother  Edwin Cox; sister Christine Andrews; nephew A.L. Andrews all of Shallotte and brother-in-law Jim Freehof of Virginia. Also preceded  in death by grandson, Mason John Mann.

He is survived by his sister Gerry Freehof of Virginia. Also, by his sons, Gerald Cox (Beatrice), and Abraham Cox of Houston and Gabriel Cox (Mandy) of Hillsboro, Oregon, his step daughters, whom he loved and raised as his own, Sylvia Kersten (Chuck) of Magnolia, Texas, and Margaret Glidewell of Victoria, Texas, and the mother of his children, Elena Himel of Houston.

Also by step children from his second marriage to Sharon, William Smith (Kim), Cherie Moore, Dana Cravy (Dale), and John A. Mann III (Luanna).

Also survived by numerous grandchildren, Lydia and Abe Cox, Rachel Cox, Germaine Miller, Jason Baisden (Diana) , Elena and Melissa Glidewell , Jason (Sarah) Moore, Ryan and Jeremy Moore, Brad, Emilie and Tyler Cravy, Geoffrey (Avery) Smith and Nathan Smith, Katelyn and Madisen Mann; Great-grandchildren Payton Stark, Isabelle Baisden, Olivia Glidewell, Jason Moore, Jr., and Lily Moore.

Felix was dearly loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed. He was always considered “the captain of his ship” in all his adventures and respected by all his mates. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 3:00-8:00p.m., Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at the Limbaugh Funeral Home in Portland. Graveside services will be held at 11:00am,Thursday,  February 20, 2014 at Aransas Memorial Park, 1520 Hwy. 188, Rockport, Texas. Officiant will be Rev. Mark Miller of Oak Ridge Baptist Church, Portland, Texas. Deeply appreciated are all the prayers and visits from our church family. Special thanks to Christus Spohn Hospice (Clare R.N. and Dr. Lee Sang). Memorial contributions in Felix’s name may be made to Oak Ridge Baptist Church, Portland, Texas  78374