Harley Austin Cox, Jr., 84, Greenfield, formerly of North Salem, IN, passed away Saturday, November 12, 2022.
He was born on June 13, 1938, in Indianapolis, to Harley Austin and Jesse (Kersey) Cox, Sr. He married his love Valerie Kay Conkin on December 1, 1961.
In Harley’s younger years, he was an accomplished bowler and loved to play pool as well as race cars. In 1956 Harley joined the Indiana National Guard, serving for 6 years. He aided assistance to his wife in her love for 4-H and the Horse & Pony sector. Harley was a member of the Scottish Rite, the Masonic Lodge, and OOIDA aiding advocacy to fellow truck drivers. In his free time, he enjoyed taking rides on his gator around his property. He also built wooden windchimes, wooden jewelry boxes, and wooden cedar chests.
At the young age of 19, Harley started working different positions while employed for Crescent Paper Company in Indianapolis. There, he worked for many years. Harley was one of six founding members with Greenfield’s Police Reserve.
He then transitioned as an over-the-road truck driver for Commercial Transport. Harley was fortunate to have traveled to all but two states as well as Canada for work-related matters. While trucking, his CB handle was “Blue Eagle” and he was a member of the Teamsters.
He then became co-partners with Robert Cook, forming Cook & Cox Construction, in Greenfield. Harley and Robert built Greenfield’s Riley Pool. Continuing to drive trucks, he worked for Transport America and Frontier. Venturing out on his own as an independent contractor, Harley was forced to retire from trucking in the summer of 2007 as he was involved in a trucking accident. He was shy of earning his 2-million-mile safety certificate.
He is survived by his loving wife Valerie of 61 years; their children: Sharon Williams, Mark (Leah) Cox, and Mike Cox; grandchildren: Jeffry (Jennifer) Goble and Shelbi Goble; and great-grandchildren: Brayden Goble and Elijah Goble.
Harley was preceded in death by his mother, Jesse Myers; father, Harley Sr.; great-grandparents, Brewer and Ina Mae Kersey; and son-in-law, Thomas Williams.
Stillinger Family Funeral Home, Greenfield, has been honored to assist the Cox family. At this time, services are being discussed and will be shared following the holidays.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wheeler Mission and/or Indiana Sheriff’s FOP.
If you would like to sign the online guest book or send condolences to the family, you may do so by visiting www.stillingerfamily.com
