Michael Robert

Michael Robert Cox, 41, of Vienna, West Virginia, passed away on January 28, 2017, at Marietta Memorial Hospital from pancreatic cancer. He was born September 19, 1975, in Parkersburg. Michael attended the WVU School of Dentistry and practiced the profession he loved for 15 years in Parkersburg. Michael is survived by his parents, Dennis and Era Cox; his wife, Nellie Cox; and their children, Jacob, Madeline, and Claire. Michael loved many things: the Mountaineers, karaoke, cards with his friends, and hiking with his family. His quick wit and competitive board game domination will be missed by all he destroyed at Monopoly, Machi Koro, Settlers of Catan, and any other game he could persuade his victims to play. Michael also loved trivia and would spend an hour before each match memorizing the order of the presidents and the highest grossing movies of the last decade just in case they came up. His favorite place in the world was Sea Isle City, New Jersey, which he happily visited every summer. Michael loved swimming in the brisk ocean with his children, feeding the gooney birds, and eating his weight in salt water taffy. After Michael's cancer diagnosis, he started performing stand up comedy. In that hobby, he found an outlet for the trauma of his devastating medical prognosis and was excited to perform his set whenever he could, including self-written songs that contained flute solos. He faced the disease with resolve and courage. Michael continued to fight throughout numerous chemotherapy rounds and radiation treatments without wavering in his desire to live. Michael was highly appreciative of the extraordinary care he received at the Strecker Cancer Center in Marietta and his primary oncologist, Dr. Siva, as well as all the staff who treated him so well over the last year. He was proud of his wonderful employees in his dental practice and their perseverance during his chemo treatments when he needed their help more than ever. Funeral services will be 3 pm, Wednesday, February 1, at the Grand Central Church of Christ at 5805 Grand Central Avenue in Vienna. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Grand Central Church of Christ would be appreciated.