Shannon Ives Cox

Shannon Cox of Suffolk, VA, lovingly known as "Shanny" to his family, was 73 when he passed away peacefully on the evening of Friday, February 26th, 2021 at home with his family and dogs by his side. He was a doting and loving husband to his wife Dorothy Cox whom he just celebrated his 40th wedding anniversary with in December. Dorothy was his best friend. They spent countless hours on the golf course together, traveled all over the US, and enjoyed spending time with their family and friends, relishing every day of their life together.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his two children; daughter Ashley Cox, who lives in DC, and son Bryan Cox who lives in Roanoke, VA with wife Amy, granddaughter Emma and soon to be grandson Owen. He was a proud father who loved his children with his whole heart. He never hesitated to drop everything and travel hours out of his way to assist his children in times of need, no matter where they happened to be. He was always ready and willing to be there for the people he loved.

Siblings include younger sister Pamela Hirsch and husband Steven, and older brother Marshall B. Cox Jr. and wife, Rebecca. Shannon also loved and cherished all of his family members, cousins, nieces and nephews, friends and colleagues. He will be greatly missed by all.

Shannon was born on March 6th, 1947 in Norfolk, VA. He grew up in Va Beach, VA and graduated from Cox High School, where he lettered in 3 sports. He received a BA from Virginia Wesleyan University. He was an Army Veteran serving during the time of the Vietnam War. He spent most of his overseas deployment in Korea playing baseball and managing the Army Recreational Center which influenced his career after he served. He moved back to Va Beach in 1969 and chose a career with the Va Beach Department of Parks and Recreation where he devoted 30 years organizing countless recreational events and activities for the city. Shannon retired at the young age of 58, but worked 3 more years at Brandon Middle School as a substitute teacher to spend more time with his wife until she retired from the Va Beach Public School system.

Shannon loved playing golf, coaching his kids sports teams, and was a diehard Washington Football Team and New York Yankees fan, in the good times and the bad. He was also an avid reader and history buff.

Shannon will be laid to rest with military honors at the Oakland Christian Church Cemetery in Suffolk, VA in a private family graveside service on Friday, March 5th. He will be lovingly placed alongside his cherished mother, Jean Ives Cox and father Marshall Berned Cox. When he could, Shannon preferred to donate to the DAV. His family asks in lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Shannon's name to the Disabled American Veterans Charity - dva.org

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