Irby R Cox

Irby graduated from Vernon High School and attended Decatur Baptist Junior College, Howard Payne University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Westminster Choir College. He finished school with his Master's Degree. He later enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and was honorably discharged.

In 1939, while he was a senior at Howard Payne University, he was a host at the same lunch table as Margaret Garner. Irby quickly found a way to catch her attention and they married December 27, 1941. After his time in the military Irby taught chemistry, band and science for school before serving at multiple churches as the Minister of Music and Education. He served 24 years as Director of Church Services for the Dallas Baptist Association and served 35 years as the Registration Secretary for the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

Irby was an amateur inventor with a dry sense of humor. He was a 32nd degree Mason who grew his own vegetable garden every year. He was also a bee keeper and produced his own honey, was very organized and a great planner who enjoyed traveling and woodworking. Irby was a caring husband, loving father and generous man who adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Margaret Cox; children: John Cox and his wife Alice, Irby Cox; grandchildren: Amy Cox, Nathan Cox, Benjamin Cox and his wife Amelia, Matthew Cox and his wife Jordan; great-grandchildren: Gavin Cox, Harper Cox, Poppy Cox; sister-in-laws: Agnes Garner, Charleyne Brooks and her husband Clive; nephews: Charles Brooks, Tim Brooks; great-nieces: Abby, Jennifer; great-nephews: AJ and Scott.

In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated for either

MONROE CARELL CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL AT VANDERBILT

VANDERBILT GIFT PROCESSING OFFICE PMB 407727

2301 VANDERBILT PLACE

NASHVILLE, TN 37240-7727

(Checks can be made to Monroe Carell Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Allocation #14509 should be placed in the memo line)

OR

IMMUNE DEFICIENCY FOUNDATION

110 WEST ROAD, SUITE 300

TOWSON, MD 21204-4843

OR online at www.primaryimmune.org/appeal