Cox, Walter S.

Description

Walter Cox was born Sept. 8, 1922 in New Rochelle to Mrs. Lelia Harris and the late Walter Cox Sr.. The census records show his families Home in 1930: New Rochelle.

He was a graduate of New Rochelle High School in 1941 and attended a school for sheet metal working in Auburn, N.Y. in 1942.

Walter enlisted March 22, 1943 and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He served with the 502nd Port Battalion, 270th Port Company and rose to the rank of sergeant.

His unit was awarded assault landing credit for the Normandy invasion, 6 and 7 June 1944. The 502nd was one of the segregated battalions. All the enlisted men were Africa-American, while the officers were white. Walter was honorably discharged on January 11, 1946

After the war, he married Mary Kathryn Groom on April 24,1948 and they would have one daughter. Walter worked as a molder in a brass foundry for many years before becoming disabled.

He was a life member of St. Catherine AME Zion Church in New Rochelle and belonged to its Carrington Men’s Chorus, Senior Choir, and Usher Board, Men’s

Walter E. (*Skeeter’) Cox Jr. of 127 S. 11th Ave., Mount Vernon, died Wednesday September 7, 1977 at Mount Vernon Hospital.

At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife, Mary Groon Cox, and daughter, Caryn Covington, both of the Bronx; his mother and stepfather, Lelia and Charles Harris of New Rochelle; a sister, Corine Kelly of Philadelphia; and three grandchildren.

He was also survived by his aunt, Mrs. Anna Franklin, who had raised him as a child and with whom he had been residing in New Rochelle and Mount Vernon.