Leroy Cox

On the afternoon of Wednesday April 12,2023 Deacon Leroy Cox, 90, of Beaufort, NC passed away at his home, surrounded by his family, church family and friends. 

Queen Street Missionary Baptist Church will have a memorial tribute at 3:00 pm on Sunday, April 23, 2023.

Deacon Leroy was born July 8, 1932, to the late Minnie and James Cox.  Leroy played football at Queen St High School. He attended Queen St Missionary Baptist Church where he was a faithful lifelong Deacon for over 60 yrs. He was an outstanding Sunday school teacher. He didn’t just teach, he made sure everyone he taught understood, so that they could live their life according to God's word. 

Deacon Leroy Cox was one of the last original living Menhaden Fishermen. The Menhaden Chantey men sung their songs on stage at Carnegie Hall! He was known to some as the “Shrimp Machine”, because he could head shrimp so fast. 

He is preceded in death by his parents James & Minnie Cox, his wife, Mamie Cox, and his daughters, Susan Mitchell & Deirdra Wilson. 

He leaves behind a loving family to cherish his memories, his sons, Aaron Hardesty of the home, Martin Hardesty of Raleigh, NC, Norvie Henry Sr. of Beaufort, daughters Denise Frazier of Raleigh, NC, Janie Hardesty (Chris) of Cary, NC, a special sister-in-love, Virginia Hardesty of Winston Salem, NC, grandchildren, Marcellus Jeffrey Jr,  Ashley, Jamal , Deanna , Deandre, Christopher and Nicola, and 7 great grandchildren, as well as his aunt, Bettie Nolan and a very special cousin, Reggie Nolan who stayed by his side. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, as well as his adopted children who he treated like his own.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge will give to me on that day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing!" 
-  2 Timothy 4:7-8

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noefs.net

Arrangements by Noe Funeral Service, Inc. of Beaufort, NC.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.