WALTERBORO :   The Reverend David Willard Cox, husband of the late Lee Dean Lyons Cox, who preceded him in death this past October, passed away peacefully late Monday evening at The Veterans Victory House in Walterboro with family at his side. He was a United States Navy Veteran of WWII, and was 97 at the time of his passing.

He was born in Andrews, S.C. and was the son of the late Edward Bailey Cox and Bessie Mae Hardee Cox. After the death of Edward Cox, Mrs. Cox married Reverend Ellerbe Powers who became step-father to the Cox children. David was a graduate of Holmes Bible College, Central Wesleyan, and Emory University Candler School of Theology. Initially he served in the S.C. Pentecostal Conference then in 1968 he joined the S.C. United Methodist Conference. Over the years he was pastor of several United Methodist Charges in the Colleton County and the Lowcountry. After his retirement he continued to serve as an interim pastor when needed.

During his ministry he also enjoyed sharing music by singing and playing the piano. At one point he wrote the music and words to ten sacred songs that were published in a book and recorded on cassettes and CDs. He will be forever cherished as a committed Christian, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Reverend Cox is survived by a step-daughter Nancy Carter (Ricky) and a step-son Larry Benton (Gina). There are four grandchildren: Jeremy David Carter (Stacy), Deana Carter Groves (Matthew), Jonathan Michael Carter (Joanie), and Reginald Benton. He adored his five great-grandchildren: Wyatt Carter, Gracelee Carter, Collin Groves, Harper Groves, and Maddox Carter. Reverend Cox was also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Also surviving are his brother, Reverend Dan Powers (Bunny), and a sister, Faye Powers Greco. He was predeceased by his precious daughter, Pamela Cox Mills; brothers-- David Powers, Ruis Powers, Eldridge Cox, Reverend Bernard Cox, Jackie Powers and Robert "Bubba" Powers; and sisters-- Margaret Cameron, Miriam Thomas, and Cleonis Benton.

Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon, December 8, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Bethel United Methodist Church in Walterboro, with burial following at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 pm in the church sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Epworth Children's Home, 2900 Millwood Avenue, Columbia, SC 29205 or Bethel United Methodist Church at 355 Hampton Street, Walterboro, SC 29488.

A special thank-you to The Veterans Victory House for their wonderful, loving care of David for his stay at their facility.