Obituary of Newell L. Willcox

Newell L. Willcox Jr., 90, of Homer NY, passed away quietly at his cottage in Clayton May 26, 2017. He was born September 12, 1926 in Binghamton NY, the son of the late Newell "Spiegle" Willcox and Helen Gunsaules. Newell grew up in Cortland and was a graduate of Cortland High School. Having enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp Cadet Program while he was in high school, Newell was called into active duty in 1944 serving with the 5th Air Force 3rd Emergency Rescue Squadron in the Pacific. Upon returning home from his military service, he attended Cornell University and later Michigan State College where he was a member of the ??? Fraternity. In 1962, Newell and his wife Ardis, founded Willcox Tire at the corner of Church and Elm Sts., the same location of Ardis' father's first Tallmadge Tire Store in 1935. Newell retired from business in 2011 and every day since then had missed seeing his customers whom he thought of as his friends. Newell served as a member president of the Homer School Board and twelve years as a Cortland County Legislator. A past Rotarian, he was also a member of the American Legion, Cortland Country Club, Clayton Yacht Club and United Presbyterian Church. An avid outdoorsman, Newell enjoyed hunting, feeding the birds and gardening, and was in his glory when fishing on the St. Lawrence River from his beloved boat the "White Witch" with his family and friends. Other interests included his love of antiques and travel both near and far. Newell is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Ardis Tallmadge Willcox, sons Jeffrey (Heidi), Stephen (Suzanne), grandsons Christopher, Kevin (JoAnne), Brenden (Jessica), Tyler (Andrea), Mathew (Kaelyn) and Brett, and great grandsons Ryan and Ben. He was predeceased by his parents and son Mark. Newell was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, as well as a caring friend to many. Calling hours will be Thursday 3-6 pm at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home Inc., 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland NY, 13045. Services and burial at the Cortland Rural Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Cortland Rural Cemetery or a charity of your choice in memory of Newell.