A good innings, well played
Joseph Edward Cox was born on 19 September 1916 in Yorkshire, the fourth of six children. He left school at 14 in the height of the Depression and went to work in the coalmines until at the age of 17 he came south to find alternative work.
His work brought him to Chipperfield where he met Betty Bignell at local dances. They married, settled in Chipperfield and had two sons, Richard and Roger, and two daughters, Susan and May.
In 1941 Joe was called up to join the Royal Navy and he served throughout the war on minesweepers in the North Sea, the English Channel and on convoys to West Africa. At the end of the war Joe returned to his job in Croxley Green.
Joe loved living in Chipperfield and gave much to the village. He was a great sportsman and played for the village team for a number of years. He served on the General Committee of the football club, was match secretary for about 10 years and managed the juniors for a time. He also played cricket for Chipperfield 2nd eleven and was captain for a number of years, as well as serving on the committee and acting as a groundsman. Joe continued to support both the football and cricket teams long after he stopped playing. He was also a member of the Men’s Club and served on their committee. A regular worshiper at St. Paul’s, Joe served as a sidesman and on the Parochial Church Council.
Joe and Betty moved to Bovingdon to live in a sheltered bungalow. They were very happy living there and enjoyed their little garden, which made a picture.
Their love of dancing brought them together and they continued to dance throughout their married life.
Betty would like to thank everyone who came to Joe’s funeral and for the many messages of sympathy and love expressed. Joe loved life and enjoyed it, as he believed that he is now alive with the Lord in glory.