Dennis Ray Cox

Dennis R. Cox, 57, of Pensacola, Florida and formerly of Toledo, Ohio and Lambertville, Michigan, passed away Thursday, August 18, 2011 at St. Annes Hospital, with his loving family at his side. Born on October 6, 1953 to Jean and Raymond Cox, Dennis was a 1972 graduate of Whitmer High School and a veteran of the United States Navy Seabees. Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Erin; children, Dennis (Darlene) Cox, Crystal (Teddy) Tristani, Mindy (Richard) Earl; mother, Jean Cox; grandchildren, Hailey, Damon, Dominic, Mason, Zoey, and Khloe; siblings, Ronald Cox, Connie Paxton, Peggy Mabrey, Gina (Steve) Mercer, Luann Davis, Beverly (Bob) Doty; father and mother-in-law, Dale and Carol Sullivan and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Cox, and brother-in-law, Marvin Paxton. Dennis spent the majority of his life giving his time and talents to others. He was gifted with great leadership ability, and spent countless hours giving to his community and to those in need. He helped achieve success in fundraising at many community events. Dennis helped in organizing the Matt Stacy Telethon, as well as the Bedford Business Association. He began the first fire safety program in Bedford, called Smoke House, to teach children how to escape fires. To raise awareness for fire prevention, he once organized a 101 Dalmations event in the Bedford Stadium. His efforts were recognize by the Bedford community when, in the 1990s, Dennis ran for Bedford Township Supervisor and earned the most write-in votes in Township history. Dennis also helped during hurricanes Katrina and Ivan, collecting for those in need. Dennis was an entrepreneur, owning several businesses in Toledo, Bedford, Ottawa Lake, Pensacola, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia, including Firehouse 47 Bar & Grill in Ottawa Lake. He was enjoying his semi retirement, fishing in the Gulf on his Boston Whaler. In his short life, Dennis touched many lives. He will be greatly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, family, friends and countless others. Visitation for Dennis will be on Monday, August 22, from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. at H.H. Birkenkamp Funeral Home, 3219 Tremainsville Road (at Alexis) 419-473-1301. Online condolences for Dennis family may be given at www.birkenkampfuneralhome.com Visitation Monday, August 22, 2011 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM H.H. Birkenkamp Funeral Home 3219 Tremainsville Rd Toledo OH 43613 United States 419-473-1301 Visitation Tuesday, August 23, 2011 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM H.H. Birkenkamp Funeral Home 3219 Tremainsville Rd Toledo OH 43613 United States 419-473-1301 funeral service Tuesday, August 23, 2011 1:00 PM H.H. Birkenkamp Funeral Home 3219 Tremainsville Rd Toledo OH 43613 United States 419-473-1301