Willis Wendall Cox, 84, of Amite, passed from this life peacefully surrounded by his family, at St. Tammany Parish Hospital on November 24, 2024. Known as "Billy" to many. He was a man who believed in having a hard work ethic, integrity. He had a profound love and devotion to his family and faith. His loyalty to the LSU Tigers was unmatched. As such, he spent his final hours listening to his beloved Tigers claim a final victory for him.  He was born September 16, 1940. Mr. Cox worked his entire life driving barges down the mighty Mississippi serving as  deckhand, pilot, and ultimately captain before his retirement in 2001. Following his retirement, he traveled across the country in his motorcoach alongside his loving wife, Nelda. He visited many beautiful places but none so cherished as his lifelong residence. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Nelda Faye Grace Cox; two sisters, Joann Cox and Mary Joyce McAdams; daughter, Tonya Ainsworth Currier; Son and daughter-in-law, Edward Dwayne Ainsworth and Darlene; Son and daughter-in-law James Scott Ainsworth, and Peggy. Known as Pappy and Paw Paw, he is also survived by his 6 grandchildren Melissa Brooke Simon (Jeremiah), James "Scoot" Scott Ainsworth, Jr., Willis Edward Ainsworth (Tricia), Jessica Ainsworth Bennett (David), Charley Katherine Currier DeBlanc (Chris), and Samuel Trey Currier; 12 great grandchildren, Hunter and Beaux Simon; Camden and Sawyer Ainsworth; Jordan, Jaclyn, and Jarrod Ainsworth; Savannah, Mackenzie, and David Bennett; Judah and Gianna DeBlanc. He was preceded in death by his father, Willis Louis Cox; mother, Ozzie Walker Cox; and one brother, Truett Paul Cox; and brother-in-law, Ernest L. McAdams, Jr.; 2 great grandchildren Joliet and Kade Ainsworth. Friends will be received at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.  Interment will follow at Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery, Amite, Louisiana. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the dedicated staff at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and  St. Tammany Parish Hospital Hospice Team of Covington for their professionalism, support, and compassionate care provided to Willis and extended to his family during his final days.