Douglas Leonard Cox

Born July 9, 1937, in Charlotte, he was the son of late Miles Ben Cox and Julia Conner Cox. Following graduation from Central High School, Doug enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he furthered his education as a B52 Bomber Engineer achieving the rank of Tech Sergeant. Doug was proud of his country and stood ready to serve, defend its freedoms, and its privileges anytime he was called on. Doug married his high school sweetheart, Emily Yvonne Murphy, and together served his first tour of duty in Puerto Rico. His career took him from North Carolina to Massachusetts, Thailand, Vietnam, Guam, and then with his family to Turkey and Germany before returning to the U.S. Doug’s final assignment was Barksdale Air Force Base Louisiana, where he retired in 1977 after serving 21+ years in the military.

As a Retired Veteran, Doug continued supporting his country wearing his colors loudly and proudly. Doug, in retirement, worked at Home Light building chainsaws and later, for Duke Power Catawba Nuclear Station as a welder.

Doug served as a Deacon and faithful church member until his health confined him to home care. Although home bound, he faithfully listened to Charles Stanley and participated in services on TV.

The joy of Doug’s life was watching the military channel on TV, playing computer games, sitting on his patio watching nature, eating fudge popsicles, and spending family time playing games. He enjoyed spoiling his grandkids with snacks and ice cream when they visited. He loved to farm, drive his tractor, work in his shop, camp and fish at the beach and go to farmer’s markets.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Emily Yvonne Cox; two children, daughter Emily Marie Jackson (Candy) and her husband John Alan Jackson, and son Stephen Douglas Cox and his wife Cindy Cox; four grandchildren, Joshua Ohiser, Heidi Ohiser, Michael Cox and Victoria Little; six great-grandchildren, Lettie Ohiser, Amelia Ohiser, Presley Cox, Clara Kate Cox, Ellie Little, and Weston Little.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Miles Ben and Julia Conner Cox; brother, Eddie Rowe and sister, Hazel Llewellyn.

To celebrate Doug’s homegoing to be with his Lord, visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 15th, 2023 at McEwen Funeral Service – Pineville Chapel, 10500 Park Road. Following visitation Doug will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn West Cemetery with military honors at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, make donations to Lake Wylie Baptist Church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com for the Cox family.