CENTRALIA — Joel Wray Cox, 64, of Centralia, Illinois, entered into rest at 12:18 a.m. Friday, September 23, 2022, at Fireside House in Centralia, Illinois. He was born on November 9, 1957, in Harvey, Illinois, the son of George William, Jr. and Rosemary (Qualls) Cox.

Joel is survived by his loving family, daughter, Shelby Cox of Centralia, Illinois; son, Petty Officer First Class Cody Cox of Martinez, Georgia; mother, Rosemary Myers of Centralia, Illinois; grandchildren, Bailee Cox, Tristan Cox, Connor Cox, and Ella Cox; sister, Karen Goodman of Spicewood, Texas; nephew, Phillip Willis and wife Marissa of Nashville, Tennessee, and his friends.

Joel was preceded in death by his father, George W. Cox, Jr.; brothers, Phillip Flannigan and Dan Flannigan; and sister, Janice Sears.

Joel was of the Methodist Faith.  He graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in Botany and graduated with Hillcrest High School’s “Class of 1975” in Country Club Hills, Illinois.  He enjoyed working on his cars and Jeeping as he attended the Jeep Jamboree throughout the years.  He could be found sitting around having a good time and a cool drink with his family and friends.  He loved being outdoors as he took time out of his life to go fishing, camping, and hiking.  He cherished the time he spent with his family and friends.

Joel was a sales clerk and delivery man with Office Products Center in Centralia, Illinois, until he was diagnosed with cancer in 2008. He was formerly employed with Home Nursery in Albers, Illinois. Earlier in life, he was a co-owner with his mother of Brookside Florist in Centralia, Illinois, where he had a true gift as a floral designer.  During his time in Centralia, he was a kindergartner and middle school substitute teacher with various schools throughout the Centralia area. He lived in Centralia, Illinois since 1987, and formerly lived in Homewood, Illinois.

Joel will continue to educate students with his anatomical donation to the SIU-Carbondale School of Medicine.  There will be no public visitation or services.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joel’s memory to the American Cancer Society and may be received at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home at 134 South Elm Street in Centralia, Illinois.  Please view the online obituary, send condolences or share memories with Joel’s family at moranfuneralhome.net.