Finding Daddy Cox

About the Book

The generation of Americans who became adults during World War II are recognized as the group most responsible for shaping the greatness of the present day United States. The women and men who were born between the first World War and the Depression transformed our country from an average nation into the last remaining superpower.

Raising a family during the twenties and thirties was difficult, but thousands of parents did it well, as evidenced by their offspring. Finding Daddy Cox is the story of one of those extraordinary parents.

Cecil Cox was short, but powerful, serious but fun-loving, principled but filled with flaws. He raised his five children with a strong hand and unbending will, yet each one of them told of his unlimited love.

He took over his family’s farm at nineteen, when his father was killed. He took care of his mother and his siblings until each either moved or passed away. He married Jesse Wallace against her father’s wishes, promising his father-in-law he would always take care of her.

Neither Jesse or Cecil ever wavered in their love for each other and worked as one to provide for their family. They raised five children, instilling a strong work ethic, respect for others, and Christian values into each one.

Cecil was a farmer, miner, carpenter, blacksmith, brick mason, and undertaker. He never owned a television or an automobile, and never traveled more than fifty miles from home. He was uneducated, had a violent temper and a drinking problem for much of his life, yet made a powerful impression on everyone he ever had contact with.

About the Author

Mike Cox was born in River Bend, Alabama in 1950. He lived in West Alabama until 1987 when he moved to Chattanooga. Mike spent thirty-two years with Bellsouth, retired in 2002 then moved to the Columbia, South Carolina area. He began to transform an interest in writing into a career. In 2003, Mike started writing a weekly column for the Columbia Star. He also published his first book that same year; Finding Daddy Cox, a biography of his paternal grandfather. Mike currently lives in Irmo, a suburb of Columbia. He has three adult sons, Shane Chad, and Jake, and two grandchildren, Zack and Jordan. October Saturdays is the story of a life-long Alabama fan and his family.