David Wesley Cox Sr.

David Wesley Cox, Sr., born December 9, 1935, in Hemingway, South Carolina, peacefully passed away in his sleep on December 23, 2025. He was the beloved son of William Shell Cox, Sr. and Mary Emmie Floyd Cox, and a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose life was defined by faith, family, and service to others.

David shared 65 wonderful years of marriage with his devoted wife, Doris Ann Pate Cox, building a life rooted in love, commitment, and mutual devotion.

He was a proud and caring father to his four children: David Wesley Cox, Jr. (Kathy Corley Cox), Pate Shell Cox, Michelle Lee Cox Davis (Benjiman Davis), and Lara Kellahan Cox Grande (Vincent Grande). He was a cherished grandfather to twelve grandchildren: David Cox III, William Cox, Parker Cox, Rhett Cox, Mason Cox, Campbell Cox, Khara Cox, Lundy Davis Fuchs, Callah Davis Truett, Jenna Davis Steiger, Gina Bella Grande, and Phebe Bliss Grande. He also delighted in his role as great-grandfather to Kelley Cox, David Cox IV, Emmie Cox, Leni Wren Fuchs, Eden Truett and Grady Cox.

As the youngest of twelve children, David learned early the importance of family, an enduring value that guided his life. His devotion extended beyond his immediate family to include his siblings, nieces, and nephews. He is survived by his sister, Joretta Cox Sutton.

David was preceded in death by his siblings: William Edward Cox, Methlee Cox Goodloe, Julia Bliss Cox Kelley, Mary Magdaline Cox Beatty, Martha Ann Cox Lucas, Ruth Louise Cox Richardson, Emmie Juanita Cox, Randolph Shell Cox, William Shell Cox, Jr., and Francis Myrtle Cox Phillips.

David and Doris were active and faithful members of Main Street United Methodist Church in Columbia, South Carolina, where they found spiritual fulfillment and lifelong friendships.

For the majority of his career, David served his community as the proprietor of the Village Store in Lexington. More than a businessman, he was a trusted friend and neighbor. His patrons and community remember him fondly for his cheerful attitude, generous heart, and kind and giving spirit. David never met a stranger and went to great lengths to help anyone in need.

In retirement, David loved to travel with his family, exploring new countries, languages, and cultures. One of his proudest achievements was climbing the Great Wall of China, a testament to his adventurous spirit and determination.

David was loved by all who knew him, and his legacy of faith, kindness, and generosity will live on through the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Services will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025 with visitation at 1:00 p.m. in the sanctuary, with a memorial service directly following at 2:00 p.m. at Columbia United Methodist Church located at 1830 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Graveside service will be held immediately following the memorial service at Southland Memorial Gardens, 700 West Dunbar Road, West Columbia, SC 29170.