Edward Lilburn Cox
Edward Lilburn Cox of Somerset, formerly of Campbellsville, departed this life to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on January 27, 2017, at Hospice of Lake Cumberland, Somerset, Kentucky. He was born on September 3, 1929 to Cora (Bowen) Cox and Rufus Cox in Taylor County, Kentucky.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years, Sue (Williams) Cox, his sons, Greg Cox and his wife Sarah of Somerset, and Jeff Cox of Lexington, his grandsons, Caleb, Cullen, and Tristan Cox of Somerset, and his granddaughter Emily Gridley of Lexington. He is also survived by his nephews Ronald Lewis Cox of Columbia, and Jason Cox of Taylor County.
Edward graduated from Taylor County High School in 1947 and pursued his teaching degree at Campbellsville College and the University of Kentucky. His studies were interrupted by his induction into the US Army on April 28, 1953, for service in the Korean Conflict. He was stationed in Alaska and assigned to the US Army’s 12th Tank Company, the Dirty Dozen, at Fort Richardson. Upon his discharge on April 27, 1955, he completed his education, earning a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree, followed by a Rank I Certification.
Edward married Sue (Williams) Cox, of Adair County, Kentucky, on April 14, 1956. He and Sue were Charter Members of Saint Andrew United Methodist Church, Campbellsville. Edward taught Sunday School there for nearly 50 years. From an early age he professed his faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.
Edward dedicated 43 years to the education of the children of Taylor County. At age 19, he taught in the one room Merrimac School while attending college. He taught Sixth Grade at Taylor County Elementary, served as Assistant Principal at Taylor County High for one year, then spent nearly 25 years as Principal there. He retired in 1998 as an Instructional Supervisor. As Instructional Supervisor, he particularly enjoyed his time with the inherently lively and joyful Preschool Program.
Following Sue’s retirement from Campbellsville Schools in 1999, they began to travel extensively spending warm winters in Okeechobee, Florida. They loved traveling with family and were never too many weeks away from a trip to Gatlinburg or Branson. Edward often ventured off the beaten path when traveling, seeing new sights along the way. He seldom took the same route twice. When not traveling, he could be found tinkering in his shop or working in the yard.
Edward was preceded in death by his father, Rufus Cox, his mother, Cora (Bowen) Cox, his brothers Rodney and James D (Jay) Cox, and his nephew Doug Cox.
A gathering of family and friends will take place on Wednesday, February 1st, from 5 PM-8PM, at the Parrott and Ramsey Funeral Home in Campbellsville, KY. The celebration of his life will take place at Parrott and Ramsey at 11:00 AM, Thursday, February 2nd, with his burial following at Campbellsville Memorial Gardens.
Contributions may be made in Edward’s memory to the Saint Andrew United Methodist Church, 1001 South Central Ave., Campbellsville, KY 42718.
