Clarence “Cat” Cox, a fixture of Webster Parish, has dedicated his life to public service. Over the decades, Cox has worn many hats, leaving a legacy of leadership, hard work, and dedication that has impacted Cotton Valley and the parish as a whole.
Cox, now 95 years old, began his journey of service at a young age. Born in 1929, Cox started working at 15, making $1 a day at a local service station. His path toward public service started after a pivotal decision to leave school when his father barred him from playing football for missing curfew. “He said, ‘Hang up your suit, because you’re never going to play football again,’” Cox recalled. With his football dreams dashed, he began working full-time at Sid Maxwell’s pool hall, making $15 a week.
By age 19, Cox had saved enough money to purchase his first business—the Cities Service Station, which he owned and operated for 10 years. Over the years, Cox’s work extended beyond business. He held a series of public service roles that spanned multiple decades. He served as the Cotton Valley police chief for 26 years, as well as on the Webster Parish Police Jury for 26 years. He also spent two years each as a Cotton Valley councilman and mayor. Additionally, Cox drove a Webster Parish school bus for 46 years, a role that brought him into the lives of generations of students. Beyond that, he has served on the Webster Parish Office of Community Services Board of Directors for nearly 50 years.
In 1949, Cox married Gladys Loriece, and together they had two daughters: Naomi Cox Coyle and Ouida Cox Garner. Their family life was centered in Cotton Valley, where Cox has remained a beloved community figure. He has been a member of Cotton Valley’s Masonic Lodge #338 for almost 75 years, contributing to the community’s social fabric while also deepening his ties to his faith as a member of First Baptist Church for nearly 70 years.
One of Cox’s most memorable moments in history was surviving a deadly tornado that hit Cotton Valley in 1947. “The tornado was December 31, 1947. It killed my brother. I was in the pool hall playing dominoes, and he left. That’s when the tornado hit. I’ll never forget it,” Cox said somberly.
Cox’s journey into law enforcement began by chance. He was “volunteered” to be the Cotton Valley chief of police after his uncle, who held the position, was severely injured in an auto accident. Though it wasn’t a job he sought, Cox quickly adapted and spent 26 years protecting his community. “I drove [the school bus] for 47 years. They paid me $80 a month. And back then, they paid me $200 a month to be chief of police,” Cox said. “Back in 1972, when Gus Hollingsworth became the mayor, he got me $400 a month and a brand-new car.”
His time as police chief brought its share of humorous and serious moments. Cox recalled an unusual incident in which a man was fined for driving with his feet out the car window. “He must’ve been crazy to drive down my street with his feet hanging out the window,” Cox said with a chuckle. On a more serious note, Cox once faced a dangerous situation while transporting a prisoner to the Springhill jail. “He hit me at the red light, tried to get me in the back seat,” Cox recounted. “I got out, didn’t have my gun on me. He took off, but we got him later. Cost him $500.”
Cox’s tenure as police chief was part of a close-knit network of law enforcement across Webster Parish, where small towns often relied on one another. He worked alongside other notable figures such as Sarepta Chief Charles Grappe, Cullen Chief Jack Litton, and Springhill Chief Jerry Stephens. Cox’s contributions to law enforcement were honored by Shreveport Police Department’s “Boss Hogg” Gray in a poem titled “Saga of ‘Cat’ Cox,” which recognized him as a clever and unforgettable leader.
Over his 26 years in law enforcement, Cox worked under six different sheriffs, developing a deep respect for those in the role. “I’ve worked with a lot of sheriffs; they were all great men, but the sheriff who stands out to me as the greatest is Sheriff Jason Parker. He’s just a God-sent man; he takes care of the people,” said Cox.
Beyond local leadership, Cox interacted with several governors of Louisiana, including Edwin Edwards, John Bel Edwards, and Bobby Jindal. Through these connections, he successfully advocated for a retirement plan for Louisiana police chiefs and acquired radar speed detectors to improve road safety.
In honor of his lifetime of service, a section of Highway 371 running through Cotton Valley is named after Clarence “Cat” Cox—a testament to his impact on the community.
From driving school buses to running a service station, and from serving as police chief to sitting on the Police Jury, Clarence “Cat” Cox’s contributions to Webster Parish are far-reaching. His lifetime of service, marked by humor, heart, and history, is an inspiration to all who know him.
Today, Cox resides at The Columns on Germantown, where he enjoys telling stories to those who visit. Reflecting on his life, Cox shared, “I’ve lived a good life; I’ve helped a lot of people.” His commitment to Cotton Valley and Webster Parish is a legacy that will be remembered for generations.