CARL ALVIN COX

Major (Retired) Carl Alvin CoxJanuary 25, 1941 – December 1, 2017 Major (Retired) Carl Alvin Cox, 76, of Independence, VA, beloved husband of Virginia Collins Cox, went home to be with his beloved Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, December 1, 2017.Carl "Alvin" Cox was born January 25, 1941 at the family ancestral homestead near Independence, VA, son of John Carl Cox and Sarah Dunsmore Cox.Alvin Cox accepted a commission in 1963 as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force and entered active duty service upon graduating from Virginia Tech as a Cadet Lieutenant in the Corps of Cadets.He completed a distinguished 20 year Air Force career with service in Vietnam, Okinawa, Germany, and military installations in five different U.S. states.During his Air Force career he earned two Master Degrees, one from Central Michigan University and one from Ball State University and completed numerous military professional courses.Awards and commendations earned include the following: Bronze Star Medal (for service in Vietnam), Meritorious Service Medal with one bronze device, Air Force Commendation Medal with 2 bronze devices, the Distinguished Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device with two bronze devices, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze devices, the Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with four bronze devices, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Badge, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with device, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.After his retirement from the military, Alvin took over the family farm and continued to farm until his death. Alvin possessed a great passion for Grayson County and service to his community. He served the community in the following positions: Commissioner of Revenue for Grayson County (12 years), President of the Grayson County Farm Bureau, Wytheville Community College Professor, Grayson County Substitute Teacher, Bethany United Methodist Church member and Sunday School Teacher, Board Member of the Hardin Cox Family Cemetery, Board Member of the Cattleman's Association, Board Member for the Southern States Coop, Land Grantor to the New River Land Conservatory, and lifetime member of VFW Post 7726. Alvin was most proud of his contribution to the successful establishment of the Grayson Nursing and Rehab Center in Independence, VA.Surviving are his wife of 24 years, Virginia Collins Cox of the home, two sons and daughters-in-Law: LTC (ret) Douglas Alvin Cox and Martha Smith Cox of Independence, VA, Brian Carl Cox and Elizabeth Everly Cox, of Berryville, VA; one daughter and son-in-law; Audra Cox Milgrim and Daren Delano Milgrim of Independence, VA, step-son, Mark Patrick Ketchum, Sparta, NC; six grandchildren: Luke Cox, Evelyn Cox, James Cox, Reid Cox, Drew Milgrim and Ava Milgrim; one sister, Patsy Cox Whitehead of Haymarket, VA; several nieces and nephews also survive. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Haga Cox.Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, Dec 9, at 1:00 pm at the Bridle Creek United Methodist Church by the Reverend April Hall. The family will receive friends from noon until 1:00 at the church. Burial will follow at the Hardin Cox Cemetery with military rites conducted by VFW Post 7726 and the United States Air Force.The family wishes to honor Alvin and request that in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made to the Independence, VA Volunteer Rescue Squad PO BOX 607 Independence, Virginia 24348.