News Summary
Gene Cox, a celebrated chemist known for his influential contributions to the chemical industry, passed away at the age of 90. He held over 40 patents and played a key role in major innovations, including the simplification of foam production. Born in Florida and educated at prestigious institutions, Cox advanced rapidly in his career at Union Carbide. He is remembered not only for his scientific achievements but also for his dedication to his family, leaving behind three daughters and a profound impact in his field.
Dunwoody, GA – Gene Cox, a renowned chemist and devoted family man, passed away recently, leaving behind a rich legacy of innovation in the field of chemistry and a loving family. He was 90 years old at the time of his passing. Throughout his long and fruitful career, Cox made significant contributions to the chemical industry, holding over 40 patents and working on groundbreaking projects.
Cox was born and raised in Bradenton, Florida, where he attended local schools before pursuing higher education at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. He attained both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Chemistry from Georgia Tech. After serving as a graduate instructor at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for two years, he continued his academic journey, completing his doctorate in Chemistry and Plant Physiology at the California Institute of Technology in 1954.
In 1955, after earning his doctorate, Cox joined Union Carbide in South Charleston, West Virginia, as a research chemist. His innovative approach led to the discovery that silicone oils could be manipulated to determine the cell size of polyether foam. He developed a catalyst that drastically simplified the manufacturing process for foam, reducing it from two steps to one. His notable work in this area earned him a feature in Life magazine that same year, where he was recognized as part of the “Frontiers of Technology.”
As an ambitious professional, Cox advanced quickly within Union Carbide, becoming the Group Leader in the rocket program of the Special Projects Division in 1962, where he focused on jet rocket fuel propulsion. By 1966, he had risen to the role of Assistant Director of Chemicals Research and Development at Union Carbide’s Technical Center. His career saw him manage critical segments of the company’s technological needs, including Chemicals, Plastics, and Fibers Intermediates.
In 1972, Cox transferred to Bound Brook, New Jersey, where he continued to excel, eventually becoming the Director of Research and Development. He later took on a leadership role directing the Chemical Hygiene Fellowship unit sponsored by Carnegie-Mellon Institute and Union Carbide between 1975 and 1979. Following this, he became the Director of Research and Development in the Resin Division at Georgia Pacific Corporation in Decatur, Georgia, a position he held until his retirement in 1996.
Meanwhile, Cox led a fulfilling family life. He met his first wife, Anne Radford, during his time at Georgia Tech, and the couple married in January 1952. Together they had three daughters: Betsy, Ellen, and Barbara. The family lived in various cities, including Pasadena, California; Boston, Massachusetts; Charleston, West Virginia; Westfield, New Jersey; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Dunwoody, Georgia, where Cox prioritized family activities and ensured his daughters had rich experiences throughout their lives.
After Anne’s death in 1994, Cox faced significant grief but found new companionship with Gloria Preston, a reconnect from his past, whom he married in 1997. The couple enjoyed 14 years together until Gloria passed away in 2011. Throughout his life, Gene Cox was known for embodying values such as hard work, integrity, tenacity, honesty, and generosity. He maintained an active lifestyle, characterized by a quick pace and charming absent-mindedness.
Cox was predeceased by his parents, both wives, a brother, a sister, and a son-in-law. He is survived by his three daughters, grandchildren, stepchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service is scheduled for June 21st at Dunwoody United Methodist Church in Dunwoody, Georgia, with a private family burial to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Atlanta Community Food Bank.
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- Dignity Memorial: Eugene Cox
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