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David Cox Obituary

David A. Cox, 73, of Troutville, Va., passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2009. David graduated from Tipton High School in 1954 and attended Perdue University. His career started with Nickel Plate Railroad in 1956. He was promoted to director of Real Estate in Roanoke in 1969; promoted to director of Industrial Real Estate in 1971; named Director of Industrial Development for Norfolk Southern in 1982 and was then transferred to Atlanta in 1984 where he was promoted to AVP of Industrial Development. David retired to Roanoke in 2000. He enjoyed playing golf and was a member of the Hidden Valley Country Club, Atlanta Country Club, Bay Golf Club, and the Botetourt Country Club. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marshall R. and June M. Cox; sister, Rachel J. Mink; and brother, Marshall A. Cox. David is survived by his wife, Barbara L. Cox; son, Michael and his wife, Laurie, and their children, Marshall, Nicole, Jonathan, Isaac, and Olivia; daughter, Nancy Cox Spigle; daughter, Lynn Gum and her husband, Randy, and their children, Brandon and Kelyn; daughter, Melissa Morrow and her husband, Scott, and their children, David and Katrina; nephews, Steve and Bob Mink; and niece, Cynthia Minter. David had a way of making people feel welcome and making all people feel special. A graveside service will be held 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2009, at the Trinity Cemetery in Botetourt County with Pastor Earl Clemmons officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon at Oakey's East Chapel, 540-977-3909.

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Published by Roanoke Times from Sep. 27 to Oct. 1, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for David Cox

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October 31, 2009

Mrs. Barbara Cox & family

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dave was one of a kind. Mere words will not do him justice. He had a infectious smile and a twinkle in his eye. He was the "Center" of any room he was in. He loved to tell stories of his many adventures. He was loved by many.

I only had the pleasure of knowing Dave these last several years. I admired and respected the gentleman he was. I had the honor of being his Chauffeur in this last year of his life, and each and every trip was an adventure and a joy.

He had a great love of family. Making sure his wife and children were taking care of was always first in his heart and mind. He had a way of making my husband, Frank and I feel like part of his family. He was truly a unique man. He was able to fill everyones days with joy and laughter while dealing with private sorrow.

It is as if the one of the most vibrant of bulbs in the chandlier has burnt out. Although physically he is no longer with us - he will live on in the hearts and minds of all who loved him.

In the night sky, look for the brightest twinkling star, and take comfort in knowing Dave is still shinning on us from the Heavens above.

If there is anything we can do to help you, please let us know.

May God bless and keep you.
Judy & Frank Hackworth

October 5, 2009

So sorry for your loss. David was a very sweet man and we will miss his smiling face at 3LiLPigs. Please know you are in our prayers.

David & Anne Thomas

October 4, 2009

Barb, Mike, Nancy, Lynn, Missy: We could not believe the email about Dave's heart attack. Dave meant so much to me and Anne. All the things he did for me while I worked for him in Atlanta and Norfolk. Words cannot express my sadness that he is gone and how much we will miss him. We were glad to see you all at the funeral, but wish it could have been a better time. We still have the wonder memories of all the good times we had with you, Dave and Nancy in Virginia Beach. Also the good times Dave and I had working together in Industrial Development in Atlanta and then in Norfolk, VA. Dave was a great person and he will be missed so much by me and Anne. We loved him so much as we do all of you. Love to all of you and your families.

Lloyd & Shirley Dillard

October 1, 2009

Barb

Dave and I were together a lot of years at the railroad. We worked, traveled and attended many golf outings. On numerous occasions he mentioned that one of his main desires in life was to meet a lot of people and make a lot of friends. In that he succeeded.

Sorry we couldn't be with you today; but, we did want to send our condolencies. We're praying for you and the family.

Susan Hetherington

October 1, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Sandra Jeffries

September 30, 2009

Dave will be missed so much by everyone who knew him. He touched our lives and he really did have a way of making you feel special. We will miss greeting him during our lunch break at Don Ho's Restaurant - he always brightened our day. Condolences are extended to his Wife, family and anyone who knew him as he touched so many people's lives in a special way. Sympathy from Sandra Jeffries and Vee Hinton, Lawrence Transportation.

Wilma Calhoun

September 30, 2009

Barbara & Family,
Howie just called and told me the news. I am so sorry to hear of David's passing. He was a wonderful man & was so loved by his family. We will be praying for you and I know from experience how God can be so near at this time. Love you all

James Schepp

September 30, 2009

I feel very lucky to have known Dave. In my opinion he was the definition of a class act. Regardless of the situation Dave made every one feel welcome and comfortable. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Dennis & Deb Light

September 29, 2009

We are so sorry to hear of Daves passing, we had many lunches with Dave,and enjoyed his amusing stories of his many travels. He was a great character and very personable, and seemed to draw a group around him, he always had the floor. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Jeremy, Aimee, Bailey, Cameron & Dalton Hall

September 29, 2009

Cox, I will miss you pal. You left us all too quickly with no warning. You have built a strong support group in your family. The strength the Cox family portrays can be an example for us all.
Your chair in "The Garden Club" will be retired and you will never be forgotten.
Your plans for the upcoming July 4th holiday will be followed and make you proud.

Your neighbors,

September 29, 2009

We'll miss David, so sorry this all happend,and so sudenly.

I met Dave after the merger, he, Nickle-Plate and I, Wabash. Dave was indeed a good friend for many years and I as always will think of him fondly; we sort of grew up together!

My very best wishes and symphanthy to the whole family. You coul;d never have a better example of life then Dave.

If Judy or I can be of any assistance, please let me know.

Sincerely,

Joe Sailor
2445 SweetBay Circle
Vinton, VA. 24179

Sandra Lee Moore

September 29, 2009

Dave's passing brings back memories of the happy times that he, Barbara, my husband, Tom and I had over the years at the Roanoke Elks Club.

Lidia White

September 29, 2009

I was so very sorry to hear of Dave's passing. I first met Dave through Jim Bowman in the Industrial Development Department of Norfolk Southern. He made me feel like one of the group and always had a smile and a joke for each of us. He will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Charles & Barbara Pearson

September 29, 2009

Dear Barbara and family,
While at the 55th THS class reunion I asked about Dave because he wasn't there. I was told that he couldn't attend because he was at home caring for you in your illness. So you can certainly understand the shock when I heard that David had passed away due to a heart attack.
My wife, Barbara and I are both extremely sorry for your lose. As a classmate of mine I have always held him in the highest regard. He will be missed by all of us from the class of 1954.
God bless you and your family during this difficult time.
With love and respect,

Greg,Susan,Mandy&Josiah Vail

September 29, 2009

As neighbors,we knew Dave and his family pretty well. Dave was the type who you felt comfortable being around,always a smiling face,words of encouragement. He was a very generous person and helped us many times when we needed help. We will miss him greatly. We're praying for the Lord to comfort Dave's family in this time of grief and we'll help any way we can.

Jay/Chris Warren

September 29, 2009

Dear Barb,

As you know, Dave and I were fierce corporate competitors (NS vs CSX) for over 35 years but we had the greatest mutual admiration for each other and our families. David was a very professional officer at NS and in the ARDA organization. He is respected and admired by many.
Barb, Chris joins me in extending our sincerest sympathies to you and to your family at this time. We have many fond memories of hard working and fun partying together. Our very best to you, as always.

Chris and Jay Warren

Charlotte Burcham

September 29, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. I worked with him for twelve years in the Atlanta Industrial Development Department. It seems he was always involved in property options or some type of negotiating. I know he loved his family dearly and you will miss him. May the Lord bless you as you go through this difficult time.

September 29, 2009

To Barbara and Family, We are sorry to learn of the loss of David. David and I go back to the merger in 1964 when we were stationed in Cleveland.He was a good friend and will be missed by all.Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and family. Bill and Marga Bales, Williamsburg, Va.

Tempral Newbill

September 29, 2009

Dear Cox Family,
David will be very sadly missed by myself and others. He always put a smile on your face, even when you thought you had nothing to smile about. My prayers are with you all.
Tempral Newbill

James and Sandy Rucker

September 29, 2009

To Barbara and her family,
We were so sorry to hear about the loss of David. I know he will be sadly missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We are only a phone call away if we can do anything.

Jim Farrell

September 29, 2009

The sudden passing of David is a loss to everyone he knew. When I attended an American Railway Development Association meeting for the first time during 1977 it was Dave who welcomed me and encouraged my continuing participation. I could not then have known how the wonderful continuing friendship of my wife and myself with Dave and Barbara Cox would develop through all of the subsequent years. From the placement of corn plants lining the hallway of their Omaha hotel room during that ARDA meeting through the presentation to Dave of a Nebraska corncobb hat in his Norfolk office on the day of his retirement from NS. What enjoyable, fun times Carol and I shared with Dave and Barbara thorough those many years. Barbara, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this traumatic week and throughout the days to come. May God bless you and keep you in His care.

Tom Cain

September 29, 2009

Mrs. Cox: It's been many years since I lost someone in my family, but I can still remember how much it hurt and how lost and lonely it felt. I can only imagine how difficult this time must be to lose someone you love and spent so many years with. Maybe how much it hurts is a measure of how deep your love was. May you find great comfort in that and may all the memories always make you smile, and no doubt, when you look at your children and your grandchildren, you will be so proud and so thankful for your time with him. Please, if I can be of any help, please let me know. My Prayers, Tom Cain

Van Baker

September 28, 2009

Dave was one of the first people I met when I came to the Real Estate Dept and he made me feel as though he had known me my entire life. Our friendship was always a special one and no matter how bad the situation was , he was positive and had a smile on his face....he never met a stranger and was fun to be with .....my nickname for him was "uncle dave".....he was indeed the uncle we all want to have! Even though I know we must have had some bad times, I honestly can only recall good memories....putting deals together, working hard but having fun.....a concept many people didn't understand!! I will truly miss him but my memories of him and the stories I still share from time to time will not soon fade. Our deepest sympathy to Barb , Nancy and Family. Sincerely, Van and Nancy Baker

Betty McClendon

September 28, 2009

I was so sadden to hear of your loss. Dave was a very special person who gave me the opportunity to work in Industrial Development in Atlanta prior to his promotion to Norfolk. He was always a gentleman and a cut-up, a truly personable man who I loved and respected. We were e-mailing funny things back and forth in the last months. He will long be remembered by me, his colleagues, and his friends for they are one and the same. My prayers are with you children and Barb.

Betty McClendon-Atlanta, GA

Bob Fort

September 28, 2009

Dave was a true gentleman. I always enjoyed being in his company and having the benefit of his support and advice.

We extend our thoughts and condolences to his family.

Lisa Brown

September 28, 2009

We are so sorry to hear of this great loss! Dave has been a wonderful friend to my Dad. He was such an outgoing person. We will truley miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Sincerly, Barry, Lisa, Amelia and Tyler.

September 28, 2009

I was so very sorry to hear of Dave's passing.
Phil Cole
Class of 1954

Nancy Guynn

September 28, 2009

I am so saddened by this news. What wonderful friends you have been to my parents and my family. You have been blessed to have such a loving family. May your many good memories help you stay strong. Nancy Meyers Guynn and family

Jim Bowman

September 27, 2009

Very sad news.Total shock. Dave was a friend and mentor to all of us at Norfolk Southern. He was like a "second father" who watched over and nutured our careers both professionally and personally. We all share in the family's loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow.

Harold Patterson

September 27, 2009

Heard the news. An unbelievable shock to say the least. Mr. Cox was a caring, passionate and loving person, especially for other people in his life and his family. My prayers and thoughts will be with his family, especially in this time of sorrow.

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