Born in Ohio in 1928, Cox attended the University of Akron.

[4] In 1982, Cox considered a run for Ohio Treasurer,[5] and eventually entered the race.

[7] While defeated in the treasurer's election, new Ohio Governor Dick Celeste announced soon after that he would appoint Cox as the Director for the Department of Public Safety.

[9] Two years later, he left state government to work as a private consultant.

He went on to return to his roots, running for Barberton City Council in 1993 and winning a seat, and has since advocated for his local communities.