Rodney Kay Cox

Rodney Kay Cox, 74, of Jacksonville Beach, Florida, departed this life on Friday, October 11, 2024, at Wellstar Cobb Hospital in Austell, Georgia, following complications from Covid. He was born in 1950 in Fredericksburg, Virginia, to Miriam Kay and William Jerome Cox. He grew up in Bethesda, Maryland, and La Jolla, California, before returning to Fredericksburg, Virginia, as a young teen.
Rod attended the Woodberry Forest School in Orange, Virginia, a place that became home to him and where he excelled academically. Talented artistically as well as athletically, Rod won prestigious awards at his graduation in both visual arts and football. Known as a top offensive and defensive lineman in a team that was undefeated during his senior year, he was sought after by many universities. He chose Virginia Tech, as it had one of the top ten college football teams at the time. He was awarded a full scholarship and was a starting right-guard in his freshman year. An avid reader, Rod's first love, however, was always literature. He graduated with a degree in English, specializing in American lit.
Employment for Rod as an English teacher began in a public school in Warm Springs, Virginia. His goal of teaching in a reputable private school happened when he landed his dream job at his beloved Woodberry Forest. From there, familial circumstances took him to a job at Hampton Roads Academy in Newport News, and then to St. Anne's-Belfield in Charlottesville, Virginia. Always preferring warmer weather and being by the sea, in 1989, Rod accepted a job at St. John's Day School in Orange Park, Florida. Besides teaching English in the upper school, he also became the Director of Academic and College Counseling, a job he did exceptionally well, and for a number of summers was the Director of Summer School. He worked there until his retirement in 2015. As a retiree, Rod continued to read as much as he could. He volunteered at the local Hospice Thrift Shop for years, where he organized all the donated books and music. Another favorite pastime was walking on the beach, sometimes for miles at a time.
One of Rod's favorite authors was William Faulkner, whose work he taught passionately. He was quite proud to own a Faulkner first edition and two framed photos of Faulkner. Ernest Hemingway and Jack London were other authors whose books Rod enjoyed teaching. His knowledge of American literature was thorough and impressive. For instance, discussing Melville's Moby Dick at great length gave Rod immeasurable pleasure. His enthusiasm for what he loved inspired many, family as well as students. Rod's love for music (especially Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead as well as some early blues singers) matched his love of books. Music and books fed his soul.
Family members use similar words to describe Rod as gentle, caring, warm, and kind; someone who would listen attentively, always willing to help others, very generous with his time. He was considered wise and articulate, but always humble. His clever wit was also appreciated by many. He dearly loved his children and grandchildren, who relished his playfulness and curiosity. Rod was well respected for his intelligence and integrity by his peers and students, who often would strive to make him proud of their efforts. He was always so grateful when former students contacted him, as they played an important role in his life journey, as he undoubtedly did in theirs.
Rodney was predeceased by his loving wife of thirty years, Vicki Thompson Cox, his parents, and his brother Paul Victor Cox. He is survived by his children: Benjamin (Tiffany) Cox of Aurora, CO, Jenny Suh (Ted) of Truckee, CA, Emily (Jim III) Combs of Smyrna, GA, and Charles (Halie) of Lakewood, CO, and his beloved grandchildren: Tyson Suh, Harper Suh, Jim Combs IV, Jackson Combs, and Thompson Cox. He is also survived by his stepmother, Carol Thayer Cox of Fort Myers, FL; his brothers: John Oleinik of San Diego, CA, Jay Cox of Ashland, VA, David Cox of Syria, VA, Christopher Cox of Austin, TX; his sisters: Laurie Cox of Fredericksburg, VA, Melissa Stone of Howardsville, VA, Sally Preston of Fredericksburg, VA, and Kimberly Cox of Haverhill, MA. There are also sisters and brothers-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, and multiple nieces and nephews.
Besides family, Rod's legacy will live on in his many students whose lives he touched.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a donation in Rodney's memory to the Alzheimer's Association. A celebration of his life is planned for next year.