Buddie Cox (Chief USN Ret) peacefully left this life Dec. 26, 2017 to join his loved ones at the Lord’s Table. Born on Valentine’s Day 1936, he loved celebrating that special day. Waiting for him were his parents, Leta and Fredrick A. Cox, sister and brother-in law, Inez and Ray R. Crymes and niece, Janet Sue Crymes and his favorite nephew Al Crymes. He has one surviving sister, Frances C. Higgenbottom of Richmond and many loving nieces and nephews.

Those he left behind with love and many memories are his wife and childhood sweetheart Betty Lea Corning of 62 years. The children that he raised with Christian values are daughter Kittrell Lynn Elsaesser (Jimmie), sons Kevin A. Cox, Dana A. Cox (Kim). Grandchildren James B. Daniel II (Nicole), Courtney D. Shortridge (Nathan), Edwin Gunn Daniel, Heather C. Gwaltney (Jason), Hannah C. Cox, Roman Anthony Zava. Great- grandchildren James B. Daniel III, Victoria Lynn Daniel, Anna Christine Daniel, Cohen X. Shortridge, Trevor Daniel Shortridge, Ellington Lorraine Shortridge, Damien Andrew Zava, Macon T. Gwaltney and Aiden T. Gwaltney. Buddie’s face would light up with love each time he saw any of his family. He was never too ill for kisses and hugs from the children. He was a good provider and loved his family with all his heart.

Buddie joined the Navy at 17 years old and spent his life serving his country. He was fortunate that his family was able to follow him to many stations. He served with the 7th Fleet during the Vietnam War. Buddie retired in Taipei, Taiwan after 22 years of service and returned to Lunenburg County to make his home. He was a true patriot. Buddie was a member of the Victoria Christian Church, which he attended faithfully and enjoyed his Sunday School class taught by Earl Currin and B. J. Canady. He was a life member of VFW Post 9954 and other organizations too numerous to list. Buddie never met a stranger and enjoyed life to the fullest. He always had a joke to share or start a discussion on anything. He had a charitable heart. Proverbs 20:7 “The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them”. All are welcome to visit Coxhaven at anytime.

A memorial service for Buddie is planned for Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Victoria Christian Church. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Wounded Warrior Program, Disabled American Veterans or Lunenburg Health Services in Victoria.

Staples Funeral Home served the family.