Petty Officer First Class Walter Carr Cox, Jr., U.S. Navy (Ret.), 78, passed away peacefully on the morning of Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

PO1 Cox was born on July 10, 1948, in Kinston, North Carolina, to the late Walter C. and Sarah Henderson Cox. Growing up, he was an active member of the Boy Scouts, developing a deep love for the outdoors and eventually going on to become an Eagle Scout. He excelled as a wrestler before graduating from high school and enlisting in the United States Navy. A zealous and patriotic American, he was extremely proud of his service time—both active duty and reserve—as well as his fellow service personnel with whom he defended our country during the Vietnam War.

PO1 Cox was a simple man who maintained a high level of respect for all people and treated everyone exactly the same. Few things in life brought him more pleasure than just a good fire in the fireplace. He did enjoy playing solitaire and working crossword puzzles, and on a pretty day, he could be found outdoors tending his garden. But nothing in life brought him more joy than his family. He cherished his daughters, but he was especially proud of his grandchildren who knew him as “Cowpie.” He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy Ann Rogers Cox.

His memory will forever be treasured by his loving daughters, Sarah Yllander (Bruce) of Byron, Georgia and Lydia Blymyer (Kelly) of Athens, Alabama; his grandchildren, Hannah DeRuvo (David), Rachel Renfroe (Dan), Sarah Rose Yllander, Reuben Yllander (Annie), Dinah Yllander, Aiden Blymyer, Sofie Blymyer, and Emily Blymyer; his great-grands, Carson, Benjamin, Madelynn, Emma, Matthew, Violet, and Gracelynn; his siblings, Copie Cox, Harvey Cox, Alice Croom, and Sarah Finch; and a host of other extended family members and friends.

PO1 Cox’s life will be remembered and celebrated with a graveside memorial service at 12:00 noon on Monday, October 26, 2026, at Andersonville National Cemetery. Following the service, PO1 Cox will be inurned at Andersonville National Cemetery.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.