John Hugh Cox

Mr. John “Hugh” Cox passed away on February 11, 2026. Born on September 17, 1946, in Florence, South Carolina, he was a son of the late Hugo L. Cox and Rita W. Cox. He was the devoted husband of Emily Ruth Finch Cox, with whom he shared 53 wonderful years of marriage.

Hugh was a 1964 graduate of McClenagan High School and a 1968 graduate of Newberry College. While at Newberry, he was a proud member of Phi Tau Social Fraternity, which became a chapter of the Alpha Tau Omega National Fraternity in February 1967. In 1968, Hugh served as treasurer of the fraternity. His fraternity brothers remained a special and enduring part of his life. After retiring from Milliken, he devoted himself to reconnecting the brothers beginning in 2010, a passion project that meant the world to him. As his close fraternity brother Larry shared, “Hugh was the quintessential fraternity brother and a man’s man.”

Following graduation, Hugh began a loyal and dedicated career with Milliken & Company, where he worked in various business roles for more than four decades. He genuinely enjoyed working with numbers and took pride in his profession.

Hugh’s love of sports carried on throughout his life. He played football in junior high and high school and ran track. Hugh was a devoted football fan of the South Carolina Gamecocks. After moving to Spartanburg, Hugh became active at the YMCA, playing basketball, racquetball, and running with the Spartanburg Running Club. For several years, he looked forward to participating in the Cooper River Bridge Run and the Reedy River Run.

In addition to his loving wife, Hugh is survived by his daughter, Dr. Mandi Cox of Spartanburg; his son, Brad R. Cox (Caroline Tyson Cox) of Greensboro, North Carolina; four grandchildren, William, Charlie, Kirby, and Mary Louise; four nephews; and several cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Don C. Cox of Charlotte and Florence.

A visitation will be held at Dunbar Funeral Home on Monday, February 16, 2026, from 5:00 until 7:00 PM. A funeral service will be held at Walnut Grove Methodist Church on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 4:00 PM, followed by burial in the church cemetery.

Hugh’s family would like to thank the caregivers at Brookstone Terrace of Woodruff for the wonderful care and love shown to Hugh since October 1. Also, to Mot Earles from Comfort Keepers.

In memory of Hugh, memorials may be made to Walnut Grove Methodist Church, 1335 Walnut Grove Road, Roebuck, SC 29376, or to Newberry College Advancement Office, 2100 College Street, Newberry, SC 29108, Attn: Student Union Project.