George "Mike" "Wally" Cox, 73, passed away February 7, 2022 at University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center in Beachwood, Ohio.  Mike was born December 9, 1948 in Lima to George and Lena (Gratz) Cox.  On March 18, 1973 he married Patricia Rockhill Cox.

Mike was a 1967 graduate of Allen East High School and received his associate's degree in Wildlife and Conservation Management from Hocking Hills Technical College.  He was a retired career firefighter for the City of Lima.  Mike was also a 45 year volunteer member of the Bluffton Fire Department retiring as Assistant Chief and had previously served as police officer for the Village of Bluffton.  Mike was a firefighting instructor at Apollo Career Center, Lima and was a past leader for the Bluffton Boy Scout Troop #256.  

Survivors include his wife, Patricia L. Cox of Bluffton; a daughter, Shelly (Matt) Gearing of Bluffton; a son, Shane (Janelle) Cox of Summerville, South Carolina; three grandchildren, Emma Miller, Ava Cox and Annabelle Cox; three bonus grandchildren, Adi, Maia and Leo Gearing; three sisters-in-laws, Pam Rockhill of Lima, Rhonda Frost of Findlay, Linda (Jamie) Furry of Lafayette and his fur buddy, Zippy.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, George and Lena Cox and a brother, David Cox.

An outdoor celebration of life will be held in Mike's honor at a later date.  

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bluffton Fire Department, 402 N. Main Street, Bluffton, Ohio 45817, Boy Scout Troop #256, 9232 N. Dixie Hwy., Bluffton, Ohio 45817 or the Allen County Humane Society, 3606 Elida Rd, Lima, OH 45807.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.