Ranford Earl Cox

Ranford Earl Pete Cox left this life on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at Pleasant Valley Hospital surrounded by his family. He fought a long and courageous battle the last year of his life and was ready to go to meet his heavenly father. He was 78 years old. Pete was a remarkable husband, father, grandfather and friend to all that had the privilege of knowing him. As far as medical science he was not your textbook case. He amazed most of the doctors who treated him by always bouncing back. He always did things his way. Pete was born October 6, 1928 on Cox Road in Mercerville, Ohio. He was the 7th child born to James Earl and Almira Layne Cox. He volunteered to join the United States Army at the age of 17. He served in Germany during World War II in the 3/32 Engineers Battalion. His desire was to locate his brother Jim’s grave who was killed there during that time. He was successful in finding him. On returning to the United States Pete married the love of his life Ella Mae Slone on December 17, 1947 and she survives him. Pete and Ella Mae were married 59 years. To this union was born 6 wonderful children, Wanda E. Cox and husband, Gerald of Gallipolis, Donna J. Waugh and husband, Ronnie of Crown City, Linda M. Smith and husband, Dan of Milton, Florida, Randy L. Cox and wife, Darlene of Gallipolis, Marsha G. Wickline and husband, Marvin Jr. of Pensacola, Florida and Loren D. Cox and wife, Jane Ann of Crown City. Pete taught his children wisdom beyond measure and left them with memories to cherish forever . . . He retired from the Gallipolis Developmental Center after 25 ? years of service. During his lifetime he worked at the Campbell’s Soup Factory in Napoleon, Ohio and worked as a truck driver for the Gallia County Highway Department. He also was a self employed coal truck driver, well known as a local television repairman and also served as a Harrison Township Trustee. Pete and Ella Mae also volunteered as VIP Host Campers at Deer Creek State Campground. Pete’s hobbies included hunting, fishing, camping, traveling, singing and talking to his family and friends. He had a very recognizable laugh that was well known to all. He will be remembered for his great camp fires! Pete also leaves behind 16 grandchildren who loved and respected him very much. Kim Rick Cade, Denise Scott Phillips, Tammie Matt Comer, Carrie R. Waugh, David Trish Wells, Cyndi Clay Middleton, Danette Woody Greene, Shawn Tonya Cox, Jeremy Beth Waugh, Melissa Roy Hutchinson, Nathan L. Smith, B.J. Kate Cox, T.J. Cox, Michele Wickline, Mathew Wickline and Mande Caleb Tipton; 25 great grandchildren who lovingly called him Papaw Pete and three new babies due this year; one sister, Irene Kitchen of Columbus; and several loving nieces and nephews. Pete was preceded in death by his parents, all of his brothers, Lenville, Denver “Dude”, Carl “Mac”, Haskell “Jim”, two sisters Gladys Wolford and Violet Sowards, and one great granddaughter Angel Nicole Cade. Services will be 2 p.m., Saturday, April 14, 2007 at the Willis Funeral Home with Pastor Alfred Holley and Pastor Matthew Henry officiating. Burial will follow at the Ridgelawn Cemetery in Mercerville. Full military graveside honors will be presented by volunteers of area veteran’s lodges. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday, April 13, 2007 from 5-8 p.m. His grandsons will have the honor of serving as pallbearers and his great grandsons will serve as honorary pallbearers. The family would like to thank Dr. Agnes Simon and the very caring nursing staff of Pleasant Valley Hospital. Willis Funeral Home Gallipolis OH US Cemetery: 2007-04-14 Ridgelawn Cemetery Mercerville OH US Visitation: 2007-04-13 17:00:00-20:00:00 Willis Funeral Home Gallipolis OH US Service: 2007-04-14 14:00:00 Willis Funeral Home Gallipolis OH US