Alfred “Buck” Ray Cox

Alfred “Buck” Ray Cox, 93, of Colonial Heights, Virginia, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Born on June 21, 1932, in Evington, Virginia, to the late Rucker and Carrie Cox, Buck served his country for four years as an Air Policeman in the United States Air Force, stationed in Delaware and Alaska. Upon returning to Virginia, he built a career as a skilled welder and remained a proud member of Boilermakers Union Local 45.

Steady and sincere, Buck cherished bluegrass music and found quiet joy in watching baseball, Westerns, and NASCAR. Yet he was happiest setting aside a game or race to spend time with those he loved. To his family and community he was known as Dad, Buck, and most affectionately as “Grandaddy,” remembered for his legendary hugs, authenticity, and the lasting impression he left on everyone around him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shelvy Cox; his son, Eddie Cox; and his siblings, Curtis Cox and Inez Little. Buck’s legacy as the rock of his family lives on through his children, Denise Johnson, Paula Hood, and Lann Stewart. His memory is also cherished by his grandchildren, Jamie Johnson, Jacob Johnson, Colin Hood, Brendan Hood, Erin Pelfrey, Nathaniel Cox, Savanah Stewart, and Izzy Stewart; and his great-grandchildren, Corbin Johnson, Leilani Johnson, Cypress Johnson, Anne Berkeley Hood, and Grant Hood. He is further survived by his siblings, Clyde Cox, Naomi Coates, and Henrietta Cox, and by his brother-in-law, Jerry Browder.