George Mark Box

George Mark Box, 76, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at OU Health Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Mark was born on January 10, 1950, in Purcell, Oklahoma, to the late George Lemon Box and Betty Jean Russell Box. He was raised in Altus, Oklahoma, where he graduated from high school in 1968. He later attended the University of Oklahoma to play football until a knee injury sent him down a different path. Mark married the love of his life, Sherry Beth Cotney, on January 31, 1970, in Altus, Oklahoma sharing the next 56 years together never leaving each other's side. Shortly after their marriage, he joined the United States Navy. Stationed in Milton, Florida Mark taught pilots how to fly by instruments on a simulator. He proudly served his country for the next 4 years. Following his military service, Mark attended Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education. Mark’s coaching journey started later than some, but once he found his calling, it became his passion and his love for more than 40 years. Through coaching stops in Tipton, Waxahachie TX, Dickson, Davis, and Mangum, Mark dedicated countless hours to his players, athletes and students, leaving an impact that would last far beyond the years he spent on the sidelines and in the classroom. In 1998, Mark led the Mangum Tigers to the first-ever Football State Finals appearance in school history, a milestone that remains an important part of his coaching legacy. That same year, he was honored to coach in the 1998 All-State Game. Mark was known for his hard-nosed coaching style, his emphasis on discipline, and his attention to detail. No team would ever outwork one of his teams. -GATA Mark officially retired as a head football coach in 2007, but retiring from coaching never meant walking away from the game completely. He continued to share his knowledge of the game, hard work, and passion by helping his son, Reade, build football programs across the state at each of his coaching stops. Coaching was more than a profession to Mark—it was a way to invest in young people and help shape their lives. Mark and Sherry lived in Mangum, Oklahoma, before eventually moving to the Lake Texoma area in 2007 after retirement. It had always been a goal of Mark’s to build his own house just as his dad did. Mark spent the next 2 years building his house from the ground up with Sherry by his side. For the last 19 years this home has been a gathering place for countless holidays, especially 4th of July. Mark would spend months preparing to host an annual pitch and putt golf tournament at the Pointe Box course. Mark continued to enjoy many things in life. He especially enjoyed golfing with his buddies at Buncombe Creek, listening to his music in the shop while woodworking on a project for his grandkids, and watching Navy football. Sailing was another passion Mark enjoyed throughout his life. Before he began coaching, he and a friend would enter sailboat races and often return home with trophies. During his time at Lake Texoma, Mark purchased a sailboat and enjoyed many leisurely days on the water with his family. He will be remembered for his love and support for his family, his dedication to his students and athletes, the camaraderie with friends and the many lives he touched throughout his years. He was a member of Lighthouse United Methodist Church in Kingston Mark is survived by his loving wife, Sherry Box; his 3 sons, Rhett Box, Ryan Box and wife Adreanna, Reade Box and wife Sara; 7 grandchildren, Skylee Stearns and husband Joey, John Mark Box, JR Box and wife Haleigh, Jessie Jane Box, Quintin Box, Dyson Box, and Addilyn Box; and his 2 great-granddaughters, Blake and Sydney Stearns He was preceded in death by his parents, George Lemon Box and Betty Jean Russell Box; and one sister, Leslie Jean Taylor. Mark’s memory will be cherished by his family, friends, former students, athletes, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.