Biography
Many things can be said about Elmo "Buck" Cox, Jr. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive man, his compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing his charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. He was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things he sought to accomplish. Buck was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around him. He generally had a focus on harmony and peace.
Buck was born on July 28, 1942 at his Aunt "Maxie's" house in In Dryden, Virginia. His parents were Elmo Carlson and Ora Cox. Buck was raised in Arno, Virginia. When he was young, Buck's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe him. Even as a child, Buck demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around him.
Buck grew up with two siblings. He had one older (deceased) infant brother and one older sister. Buck was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with his family. He was even-tempered, taking care not to get involved in too many family conflicts. This quality served him well, in perpetually bringing harmony, understanding and a sense of peace to the family. Buck carried these traits into his adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found him pleasurable and delightful to be around. Buck was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those he knew.
As a young boy, Buck was imaginative, ingenious, clever and a “novel” thinker. Regardless of whether his peers were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, Buck could easily relate to other kids. He was an active child who took part in football and baseball. He was a scout. In his spare time he liked fishing, hunting and swimming. Buck's memorable achievements included being asked to attend the New York Yankee's training camp; however, his parents couldn't afford to send him. However, to Buck, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his many friends.
During his high school years, Buck had a natural flair for cheering on and applauding just about everyone. He was constantly offering his support and encouragement to fellow members of the groups and activities in which he participated. He graduated from Appalachia High School in 1962. He did well in school and genuinely enjoyed telling stories in a way that drew people to him. In this way, Buck had a talent for becoming the center of attention, a kind of social catalyst. Buck was often found to be the lead person facilitating a group activity, frequently filling the role of being “the life of the party.” Teachers and classmates knew Buck as an excellent listener. He placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson to be grasped waiting for him just around the corner. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Miss Hurd.
Buck had three college credits. One was from Pennsylvania and two were from the University of Tennessee. He was comfortable with abstract information and theories and tended to thrive on the subjects that forced him to think. No matter what class it was, Buck was always very perceptive and embraced the mental challenges.
Always considered a “good” friend, Buck sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason Buck always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of acquaintances. Buck's friends found him easy to know and get along with because of his talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation, and always amiable in his dealings with others. Buck would always seek to learn what his friends enjoyed, and he would go out of his way to make sure that their needs were met. Buck was always seen as the type of person who was the more gracious giver. In fact, he sometimes felt ill at ease when he was the one on the receiving end. Throughout his life he had many friends. While growing up, some of his best friends were Ted Willis, Tommy Garrison and Junior Berry. Later in life, he became friends with Bill Pierson, Bill Stacey and Omer Tipton.
On August 31, 1963 Buck married Gladys Marie Morris at a methodist church behind the courthouse, in Gate City, Virginia. Compassionate and devoted, Buck worked hard to make his new family happy. He was always generous with his time and this meant that Gladys came first in Buck's book. He was always caring and made certain that he considered Gladys's feelings. By trusting his emotions, Buck did his best to make sure that both the marriage and home life ran smoothly. This is just one more example of how Buck was truly a person of empathy.
Buck's quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a good father to his children. Buck shared these values with his one child, a son, Elmo C. Cox, III. Buck was also blessed with two grandchildren, Elmo C. Cox, IV and Johnathan Tanner Cox. Buck related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. The children always loved him and he was completely and totally devoted to them.
Buck experienced success in his work life over and over again. His primary occupation was a paper maker - foreman on paper machines. He was employed for 43 years by Mead Paper Company. Buck always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by his colleagues as a team player. Buck took pride in managing his professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. Buck was one to take the initiative and his skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. Buck continually sought to learn what his co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled him to help them develop their own potential.
Buck was 4F because of Rheynaud's Disease. (being cold or getting upset stopped blood flow to his fingers).
Because he was organized and methodical, Buck took great pleasure in his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were golf, fishing, hunting, bowling, baseball and woodworking. Buck enjoyed sharing his passions with others and could singularly focus on one hobby at a time.
Buck derived much satisfaction from sports. Because he was so instinctive and could always grasp the big picture, Buck delighted in the strategy and inner workings of a competition. In high school, Buck played football and baseball. Recreational sports included baseball, bowling, hunting, fishing and golf. Buck was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite teams' events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were golf, football and baseball.
With a talent for focusing in on exactly what was required to be completed, Buck was known to his peers as being able to strengthen any group endeavor. When called on, Buck was a natural leader who created harmony and good relationships within the group, often putting his own needs aside. Buck's involvement could easily help structure and organize any part of an organization. An added benefit was Buck's ability to bring valued principles along with him. Throughout his later years, Buck was active with youth baseball.
Buck's faith was important to him. He was a member of Fall Branch Missionary Baptist Church for 40 years. During that time, he was a licensed minister, helped in Evangelistic Revivals and filled in for pastors. He was compassionate and warm hearted, someone who truly cared for others and that was clearly demonstrated in his work with the congregation.
Though he never did anything solely for individual recognition, Buck was given accolades for his many and varied efforts throughout his life. If the truth were known, Buck was always a little uncomfortable with being singled out for recognition. He earned several awards from Mead Corporation.
Buck enjoyed traveling, and because he was so well organized, he would take on the responsibility of planning and scheduling all of the family vacations. His gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with Buck were always enjoyable. Favorite vacations included going to the Smokey Mountains, Myrtle Beach, Canada and he enjoyed his hunting trip in November for 16 days with his best friends.
Buck was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Buck's favorite was Kitty, a house cat and Honcho, a Labrador Retriever. They were best friends, Kitty for over ten years. His family was rounded out by his dog, Honcho that he had for over 13 years.
When Buck's retirement finally came in 2007, he was well prepared. Being the focused and organized person that he was, Buck had taken care to plan for this part of his life. When that time eventually arrived, Buck knew exactly what he wanted to do. In retirement, he found new pleasure in woodworking. Even in retirement, Buck continued to stay in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled.
Buck passed away on June 1, 2009 at Hospice House in Bristol, Tennessee. Buck had heart failure, complicated by diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and a heart attack. He is survived by his loving wife Gladys, his son, Elmo III and his grandsons, Carlson IV and Tanner. Services were held at East Lawn Funeral Home. Buck was laid to rest in East Lawn Memorial Park, Kingsport, TN.
Throughout his life, Buck was a gregarious and enthusiastic man. He was generous in sharing his personal attributes, giving and helping those he knew and loved. He would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. He was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Buck leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives he touched will dearly remember Elmo "Buck" Cox, Jr.