Clay A. Cox

On Wednesday, March 29th, Clay Andrew Cox, loving son, brother, husband, and father passed away

at age 55.

Clay was born in Denver, Colorado on December 23, 1967, to Leslie Alan Cox and Melanie (Tant)

Cox. He grew up and attended school at Norfolk High where he was active on the football, weight lifting

and wrestling teams. In his junior year of high school, Clay moved to San Angelo, TX with his family.

Despite the distance, Clay dedicated time and funds to talking with Chris (Miller) Cox on the phone and

riding the bus to visit her as often as he could. After a year in Texas, Clay made the decision to

independently move back to Norfolk, supporting himself on his own from the age of 16. Immediately

following high school, Clay married Chris in a ceremony at Glen Park Church of Christ in Norfolk, NE on

July 11th, 1987. Prior to having their own children, Clay was heavily involved in the Big Brothers Big

Sisters of America organization where he formed deep relationships that he continued to treasure all his

life. They had their son, Caleb, on November 18th, 1997 in Norfolk, NE. The family moved to Omaha in

1999 to begin working for Applied Underwriters, where his business prowess and commitment to

overcoming challenges became quickly apparent. Their daughter Avery was born in Omaha on January 31,

2002. The family then moved to San Mateo, CA where Clay tackled the task of reorganizing the corporate

office for Applied Underwriters. After three years in California, the Cox family then moved back to

Omaha, NE to be closer to family. Four years after moving back, Clay moved on from Applied

Underwriters and began working for a variety of companies, helping to restructure and optimize

operations and finances. Over the years, Clay was involved in a number of boards and organizations, such

as volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, with the Boys & Girls Club of the Midlands, and

with the American Heart Association.

Among a list of professional and personal accomplishments, Clay is remembered most as being a man

who loved God and loved his family. Clay selflessly dedicated his life to providing for his loved ones through

constantly striving to better the lives of those around him. A diligent planner and master organizer, Clay

worked hard and played hard, often with the next vacation planned before the first even began. In typical Clay

fashion, he even pre-planned almost every detail of his funeral. Though a largely successful businessman,

Clay enjoyed the simple things life had to offer, such as fishing, homemade meals, camping, and quality time

with family and friends. A day did not pass without Clay connecting with others, through messaging his

friends, checking in on family members, or sending recent sermons or videos he thought people would enjoy.

Though busy throughout his life with various business and professional ventures, Clay was known as the kind

of person who would be by anyone’s side in an instant should they need help or advice. Clay is fondly

remembered as a behind-the-scenes hero, who endeavored to secure his loved one’s happiness and comfort,

without asking for any praise or recognition in return. Instead, Clay’s greatest gratification came from the

pride he felt for his family and in bringing joy to those around him.

Clay is survived by his wife, Chris (Miller) Cox; siblings Christa Ellison, Marc Cox and Brent Cox;

children Caleb and Avery; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Clay is preceded in death by his

mother, Melanie, and father, Leslie Alan Cox.