Obituaries

William “Bill” Spencer Cox, returned to his Lord and Savior on Saturday, May 23, 2026. He was born on April 27, 1951, to Robert and Sydney (Batchelor) Cox in Highland Park, Michigan. On September 7, 1974, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth Payment in Sault Ste. Marie.

Bill was an honest, meticulous accountant by trade but preaching and spreading the gospel of Jesus was his first calling. He was a prayer warrior and faithful student of the word in order to minister by passion and compassion. He loved God, preached the Holy Spirit, and lived the word for family, friends and congregations. He was a cheerleader for his kids and grandkids sporting events. When he wasn’t chasing Betsy and the kids around, he did sudoku, puzzles, devotions and reading.

Bill is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 52 years, Betsy; children, Syddora Ray, Aaron (Miranda) Cox, Rachel Cox, Elizabeth (Travis) Templeton, Robert Cox, Caleb (Amy) Cox, Allison (Austin) Putrich; grandchildren, Christian, Seth, Elizalynn, Ethan, Isaac, Charlotte, Oliver, Delilah, Sawyer, Zoey, and baby boy on the way; brother, Robert Cox; sister, Cindy (Don) O’Driscoll; sisters-in-law, Cheryl (Bill) Harvey, Ruthann (Jim) Wilson; many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Bill and Doris Payment; sister-in-law, Lynn Cox; and niece, Melinda Sullivan.

A Celebration of Bill’s life will take place on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 1:00 pm at The Salvation Army Holland Corps and Community Center. There will be an additional fellowship at the Wesleyan Church in Sault Ste. Marie at 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 8, 2026. He will be laid to rest at Rockview Cemetery in Hessel, Michigan. For a more lasting memory, donations in Bill’s name can be made out to the Salvation Army of Sault St. Marie.

Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.