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Oct 4, 2013: Keith passed away this afternoon, surrounded by family members, and a few friends
Thomasville-MARVIN KEITH COX, 58, passed away peacefully Friday October 4, 2013 in Tyro, North Carolina after a short illness.
Funeral Services celebrating his life will be held at 2:00PM Tuesday October 8, 2013 in the Pierce-Jefferson Funeral & Cremation Services Chapel with Rev. Frankie Matthews officiating. Interment will follow at Guilford Memorial Park in Greensboro.
He was widely known by many names, Marvin, Wildman and Pappy among the more recognizable and popular. Marvin had an infectious and humorous nature and was widely loved and appreciated by all that has the pleasure of knowing him and being a part of his life.
Keith was born on May 29th, 1955 in High Point, North Carolina to Nancy and Edward Jolly. Keith and his brother Eddie were adopted by John and Inez Cox of Kernersville at an early age. Keith later spent many years in the Children’s Home in Winston Salem.
Keith was given more than his share of challenges in life, and by all accounts, always rose to meet each one with strength and integrity, and always with a positive attitude. In all his years, he never complained and always proceeded with a determination to succeed. Always quick to share his wisdom with the younger generation, he served as an inspirational model to many a young person who was fortunate enough to make his acquaintance. One would be surprised by the people that counted themselves as a friend, as Keith transcended all ages and stations in life in his friendships.
Keith attended RJR High School and later East Forsyth Senior High, graduating in 1973. He joined the United States Marine Corp after graduation and was a Vietnam Veteran, Honorably discharged a Corporal in 1975.
After he left the Marine Corp as a Corporal, he made his home in Kernersville. He worked for Central Carolina Grocers, and Marshall and Manual Insulation in Kernersville. In recent years he resided in North Georgia around his birth family working in the underground drilling industry. He was a partner in the business for many years with his siblings. He returned to the area 3 years ago and was living a life of leisure in Thomasville before taking ill some 6 months ago.
He was preceded in death by his adoptive parents, John and Inez Cox, his birth parents, Nancy and Edward Jolly, and brother Eddie Cox.
He also leaves behind his much loved sister Nancy and niece Christina of Tyro, brother Jeff Cox of Lexington, South Carolina and many half brothers and sisters in North Georgia, numbering about 12 by best guess. And of course, the many friends that he collected over the years.
His perpetual upbeat attitude and humorous caricatures will be missed by many that were fortunate enough to call him a friend. He was true blue and could be counted on in all situations. He was rarely caught off guard and had a way of taking over a crowd with his wit and humor and then mysteriously disappearing, leaving everyone wanting more.
God speed Marvin Keith “Wildman” Cox.
The family will visit with friends on Monday evening from 6PM-8PM in the Pierce-Jefferson Funeral & Cremation Services Chapel.
Friends and family may view, and sign the guestbook at www.Pierce-JeffersonFuneralService.com.
Visitation & Funeral service info:
Monday October 7, 2013, 6:00PM - 8:00PM at Pierce-Jefferson Funeral & Cremation.
Funeral service @ the funeral home Tues, Oct 8 @ 2pm. Burial @ Guilford Memorial in Greensboro
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Donna Jeffries (Thomas)
What a Man! What a Man! I'm glad to have known you and your wild and crazy ways.
Sharon Leonard (Dunlap)
Such a wonderfully nice and fun person, so sad for his family and friends. Prayers are with you all at this time. You'll be a fine edition to heaven and I'm sure you'll be someone's guardian angel. RIP, you will be sorely missed.
Rhonda Davis (Crews)
Keith was a dear friend to me, I have a lot of good memories of the time when we were carefree and what seems to be a whole other life time. He will be missed and remembered all at the same time by many. RIP WILDMAN.
Debbie McBride (Johnson)
I will always remember our class with Mr Wheeler. You were so crazy and always upbeat. I am so glad I was able to see you at the 40th class reunion. RIP Wildman!
Vernon (Sonny) English
My Brother! My Friend! God bless you, Keith! Glad we shared a few laughs and took a photo or two together at the 40th Reunion. You were as funny and joyful as ever...and that's how we will always remember you. May you rest in peace! See you at the Pearly Gates! Semper Fi!!Felix Smith
Marvin was a true friend to the end. He allowed me to share time with him in his last days. We would ride around laughing and talking about old times. He and I would always crack on each other just like 40 years had never passed. Later after I had left him he would call to thank me for coming to see him. I would tell him how much I appreciated his friendship and letting me spend time with him. I will surely miss my Bud.
Marilyn Bass (Swart)
Keith always found a way to make me laugh! He could light up a homeroom in the mornings! He was always kind to me and I enjoyed sharing a drink and some conversation with him at the reunion. Oddly, now that he has transitioned and no longer physically here, I can still think of him and feel his bold and free spirit in my heart. His presence made my heart expand. You brought joy to many people... wildman Keith Cox. I had posted two pictures of Keith in my profile, (#21 and #22). I posted misc. jokes under some of the pictures. He looked so happy that night! I can email that single pic of him if you want a copy. Just let me know.
Tracy Johnson (Handy)
I know it's taken me awhile to write this because I just don't know what to say to you. Our sweet, funny, Wildman....and 0hhh how you touched everyone you met. How do you put someone like you into words? Kind, sweet, honest, funny, elusive, sensitive, moral (well most of the time), you have a HUGE heart, reflective, protective, funny, (Did I say that twice? Welllll...I MEANT to!) and I could go on. You allowed some of us into your world, sharing a little part of yourself with many, but All of you with very few. How lucky they are! I was amazed at your service career, a hero, medals, and I'll add another word, Humble. I love you Keith, and was always proud to call you a friend.