WILMINGTON — Andrew “Andy” Syester Coxe, II peacefully departed this world on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Care Center after a nearly 30 year battle with Multiple Sclerosis.
He was preceded in death by his father, Harwood Beebe Coxe, Sr., mother, Eleanor Dickerson Coxe, brother, Harwood Beebe Coxe, Jr. and nephew, Jason Harwood Coxe.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 58 years, Roberta Sparkes Coxe; son, Bradley Andrew Coxe (Julie); daughter, Jennifer Eleanor Coxe; two sisters, Emily Dickerson Coxe and Alice Coxe Eborn (Bill); nieces Mitzi Coxe Swing (Dusty) and Amy Denise Coxe and his precious grandchildren, Ella Katherine Coxe, Gavin Andrew Coxe and Leah Morgan Czechlewski.
Andy spent 35 years as Vice President of Personnel and Operations for Belk Beery Department Store before having to retire early due to his illness. The managers and employees of his 32 stores were truly his second family. You couldn’t walk in a store without being greeted by a chorus of “We Love Mr. Coxe”.
Prior to his career with Belk Beery, Andy taught swimming and lifeguarded at the YMCA teaching generations of Wilmington boys to swim.
Whether serving his church family in a variety of ways, or serving the community, his faith was lived out in his actions. His favorite thing to do was tell a story, to anyone and everyone, or a joke that at least he thought was funny.
Andy was a long-time member of the Wilmington Rotary Club having been cited for meritorious service. He was also a member of the Past President of the Wilmington Merchant Society, the Hanover Seaside Club and Wesley United Methodist Church.
He will be remembered most as being a truly kind soul with a deep love for people and a smile for everyone he met.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, September 14, 2024 at the Hanover Seaside Club, 601 S. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 at 4 p.m. with fellowship and refreshments to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the MS Society or Lower Cape Fear Lifecare Center.
Please leave memories and condolences for Andy’s family here.
