Obituary: "Mighty Mickey" Cox

Ocoee Legend “Mighty Mickey” Cox, 86, of Apopka, passed away Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Mickey (Joseph Paul) was the fifth child of Lee & Lula Cox.

Raised in Ocoee with a blended family of 14, he attended Ocoee Jr. High, making a name on the football field, earning local superstar status and the nickname “Mighty Mickey.” Weekly newspaper mentions chronicled his high school career as Lakeview’s star halfback with incredible stats. Named to the 1954 Orange Belt All-Conference team and voted Varsity Football Captain his Senior year, he was tough and fast, gaining the attention of many colleges including Bear Bryant. 

A U.S. Army veteran, Mickey was a drywall finisher by trade. Many evenings his dad, brothers, cousins, friends and sons could be found playing music. He enjoyed fishing on the St. Johns River and camping at the beach. A huge UF Gator football fan, he had an infectious personality and was loved by all who knew him.

The patriarch of the family will be greatly missed.

Mickey is survived by his wife of 42 years, Faye Waters Cox; son Ricky & Jackie Cox, Leesburg, Florida, daughter Angie & Mark Walker, Winter Garden, Florida, son Tim & Anya Kaleshefski Cox, Winter Garden, Florida, daughter Brenda & Bob Cown, Maryville, Tennessee; 16 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and 3 “Fur Babies” Tebow, Bailey & Scarlett. He is also survived by sisters Helen Johnson, Webster, Florida, Jane Moye & Larry, Leesburg, Florida, Sharon & Edward Skipper, Webster, Florida, Kim & Kelvin Brooks, Bushnell, Florida; Aunt Martha Little of Ocoee; sisters-in-law, Amy Bridges, June Moore, Joan Michael, Sue & Johnny Stiles; brothers-in-law, Alex “Roho” Waters & Joe Walker; and so many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Winter Garden Elks Lodge from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct 30, 2022.