Phillip King Cox

Phillip King Cox, 86, Kingsport, died Saturday, January 19, 2013, after a long and happy life full of family, friends, and the pursuit of fulfilling work.

A life-long resident of Kingsport, TN, Phil graduated from Dobyns-Bennett in 1944 and immediately joined the US Navy, serving in the Pacific during WWII.

After the war, Phil attended Tusculum College and for the next ten years ran a dairy business on his farm in East Carter's Valley, Virginia. In 1960, he founded Cox Mills Machinery, which is still in operation today as Cox Tractor.

Phil built many things in his life, but three in particular he loved best: Lynn Mar Farm, the people of Cox Tractor, and his wonderful friends and family. Through his life and example, he taught us to cherish and preserve the land, to live a life of decisive action and excitement, and to love easily and fully.

He was married for 60 years to his childhood sweetheart, Marilyn Hargrave Cox, who preceded him in death in 2007. Also preceding him in death were his parents, Joseph Dorton Cox and Maxie Jane Newland Cox; his sister, Peggy Cox Wray; and brother, Joseph William Cox.

Surviving are his children: Cathy Cox Roberts and husband, Bob, of Richmond KY, Patricia Jane Cox Clark and husband, Charles N. Clark, MD, of Knoxville, John Dewitt Cox and wife, Karen, of Gate City, VA; eight grandchildren, Joseph Phillip Roberts and wife, Kristen, John Hargrave Roberts and wife, Jessica, Carlyn Clark McMillian and husband, Jeff, Charles Clark, Jr., M.D., Katherine Hargrave Clark, Jessica Cox and fiancé, Patrick Osborne, Kevin Cox and wife, Caitie, and Lindsey Cox; two great-grandchildren, Brady McMillian and Claire Roberts; sister, Lynnie Chadwell, and many nieces and nephews.

Receiving of friends will be held at St Paul's Episcopal Church Saturday, January 26 at 12:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Edward James Mills III officiating. A reception will follow at the church.