FORT SMITH — Wilbur (Gene) E. Cox,

75, of Fort Smith, passed away Sunday, November 7, 2021. He was born September 17, 1946, in North Little Rock to Wilbur and Margaret Cox. He was raised in North Little Rock and graduated from North Little Rock Ole Main High School. He moved to Fort Smith in 1976.

In 1978, with one product and a single customer, Gene and business partner Chris Whitt founded Air Systems, Inc., which rose to prominence as a leader in the food service industry. Gene later moved on to own, invest in, and manage several other successful companies before retiring.

Gene was a true thoroughbred horse-racing enthusiast and a race-winning owner and breeder. His horses raced at tracks throughout the country, and a great joy for him was attending races at Oaklawn Park over the last several decades with family and friends. Gene was also an avid hunter and fisherman and loved being outdoors.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Connie, of Fort Smith; daughter, Stacie Cox, of Fort Smith; son, Steve Cox and his wife, LeeAnn, of Fort Smith; sister, Ruby Montgomery of North Little Rock; brother, Ronnie Cox, and his wife, Pam, of Sherwood; sister, Brenda Davidson and husband, Butch, of Cabot; nephew Kelly Montgomery and wife, Donna, of Cabot; niece Tammy Cooper and husband, David, of Greenwood; niece, Wendy Harrison and husband, John, of Maumelle; nephew, Blake Davidson and wife, Ashley, of Sherwood; niece, Hayley Trimble and husband, Chad, of Sherwood; and niece, Kyley Hood of Fort Smith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Margaret Cox.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution can be made to Friends of Kitties and Kanines, 4300 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 72903. Services are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to: www.edwardsfuneralhome.com