Charles Cox, beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed peacefully on March 14, 2023. He was born on December 24, 1946, to the late Charlie and Maggie Lee Smith Cox. Charles was a member of the Air National Guard from September 1965 to September 1971. He was a retired Air Traffic Controller working at the FAA Center in Hillard, Florida, working mostly in the aircraft high-altitude sector. After retirement, he owned a used appliance store and held a contract with the Federal Government at Cecil Field Base. Charlie was an avid drag racer in his teens and early adult years winning many trophies. He was also just as passionate about the sport of fishing, both fresh and saltwater, and coming home telling the story of the “big one” that got away.

He is preceded in death by his parents, grandson, Austin Wayne Miller, and brother, Verlon F. Cox, nephews, Ricky and Buddy Hinson, and Jason Montgomery. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mary Dianne, daughters, Diana Sheree Miller (John Gase), and Melanie (Bill) Sabatini, grandchildren, Mason Daniel, Lee Miller (Mason Marie), Patrick Sabatini,  Hannah Sabatini, and Ashley Gase (Ray); one great-granddaughter, Lianna Case; sister, Betty Vernon, sister-in-law, Joyce Cox, brother in law, Jeffery Jump (Janet) and Sondra Partin, and many nieces and nephews, as well as his two beloved furry friends, (spoiled) Mickey and Ollie. His last wishes were to donate to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or a charity of your choice in his honor.

Services for Mr. Cox will be held Friday, March 17, 2023, beginning at 1:00 PM at Mt. Peasant Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Wainright Parlor Chapel, Thursday, March 16, 2023, from 6:00 PM until 7:30 PM. Rev. Larry Graham will officiate.

Serving as Honorary pallbearers will be John W. Gase, Jeffery D. Jump, Kendall R. Walls, and Lynn & Patricia Brannen.

Serving as Pall Bearers will be Mason Miller, Kevin Hulett, Tracy Hulett, Lance Partin, Shawn Powell, John Lewis.   

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Cox family and Wainright Parlor Funeral Home respectfully ask all in attendance to wear a mask and follow the social distancing guidelines set by our local health district and the CDC.

To sign the online register book, please visit www.wainrightparlor.com

Wainright Parlor Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements.