Claude Dozier Cox

Claude Dozier Cox, 71, of Statenville died Sunday, March, 21, 2010, at South Georgia Medical Center. He was born October 3, 1938, in Edison, Georgia to the late William Erskine Cox and Claudine Hall Cox. Claude graduated from Edison High School in 1956. After attending The University of Texas and The University of Georgia, he was selected for the USAF Aviation Cadet Flight Training Program in San Antonio, Texas. Upon completion he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the USAF and selected for advanced training at Mather AFB, California. He married Patty Daniels on June 16, 1962, before departing for his first duty assignment, Det. 1, 55th WRS at Eielson AFB, Alaska where he flew reconnaissance missions in the WC130, B57, and WB47. His next six years were spent with the AF Navigator Flight Training Program at Mather AFB in Sacramento, California. This was a special assignment as Claude was promoted to the rank of Captain, completed his undergraduate degree at Golden Gate University, and became a proud father of his two children. Claude served in the Viet Nam War with the 16th Special Operations Squadron, Ubon, Thailand where he flew 142 combat missions totaling 633 combat flight hours in the AC 130 "Spectre" Gunship. Upon returning to the states, Claude was promoted to the rank of Major and assigned to the 436 Military Airlift Wing at Dover AFB, Delaware where he flew the C5A Aircraft . Later in the tour he was assigned staff duty as Chief of Wing Plans, completed his Master's Degree with Central Michigan University, and participated in the Israeli Airlift Operations. From Dover he moved to Scott AFB, Illinois as Chief of European War Plans. During this time, he also worked at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., on a special presidential commission. A promotion at Scott AFB resulted in an assignment to MacDill AFB, Tampa, Florida with the Joint Deployment Agency (JDA) , a newly formed arm of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, where he coordinated the development of all military services deployment plans supporting the European Theater of Operations. After being promoted to Colonel, Claude was assigned to San Vito Air Station, Italy as Installation Commander where he had the opportunity to meet with many heads of state, enjoy many new cultural experiences , and travel extensively through Europe with his family. Upon completion of the Italy tour of duty, he accepted a position as Commander of the AFROTC Detachment and full professor of Aerospace Studies at Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas. Claude retired from the Air Force after 29 years of military service on September 30, 1986. Among his awards are the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross with an Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Medal with nine Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. Returning to the family home in Tampa, Florida, Claude was employed by Sheppard Electric Company as VP of Administration. A few years later he accepted a position as VP of Operations at Grove City College in Grove City, Pennsylvania. After a couple of cold winters in Pennsylvania and Patty's home place vacant, they moved to Statenville. He joined the staff of the Echols County School System where he worked as a teacher, Director of ISS, and later Director of Technology. After completing fifteen years with the Echols County School System, Claude retired in June, 2008. Through the years Claude was faithfully involved in church serving as teacher, deacon, head of college and youth departments, treasurer, and on various committees. He had an abiding interest in civic affairs and participated in Rotary Club, Lions Club, EDGE, MOAA, Gideons International, Air Force Association, Statenville Baptist Church, and other groups. Claude was an honest, wise, generous, and devoted family man who loved his work, but also enjoyed hunting, reading, music, traveling, and especially time with the grandchildren. Surviving are his wife of 48 years, Patricia Ann Daniels Cox; one son, William Gregory Cox and wife, Claire, of Sharpsburg, Georgia; one daughter, Catherine Elizabeth Holden and husband, Bobby, of Whigham, Georgia; three grandchildren, Ben, Hannah, and Jack Holden of Whigham, Georgia; one sister, Carol Erquette Floyd and husband, Ronnie, of Jonesboro, Georgia; one brother, Charles Erskine Cox and wife, Glynnis, of Edison, Georgia, and many very dear relatives and friends. The funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March, 24, 2010, at the Carson McLane Funeral Home with the Rev. Cecil Finfrock officiating. A graveside service with full military honors will follow at the Statenville cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., at Carson McLane Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Gideons International, POB 774, Valdosta, Georgia 31603.