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Richard Waymon Cox, age 91 of Monticello died Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at Magnolia Regional Medical Center in Magnolia. Mr. Cox was born in Drew County on April 24, 1926 to the late John Wesley and Vera Lee Higgason Cox. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen Tribble Cox, two sisters, Dovie Stanley and Peggy Rice and three brothers, Lamar, R.L. and Leroy Cox.
He was awarded the 33rd Degree, the highest honor in the Scottish Rites and was presented this honor at the Albert Pike Masonic Memorial Temple in Little Rock. He was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in 1949 and served as Worshipful Master in 1960, 1961 and 1965. Mr. Cox also held the Junior Warden and Senior Warden chairs, served as secretary for the lodge for 33 years and was a certified instructor. In 1997, he was awarded the Masonic Medal of Honor.
Waymon was a World War II Veteran Shipfitter Third Class for the United States Navy where he earned the Asiatic-Pacific Medal (3 Stars), Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal (2 Stars) and the American Area Medal.
He was a retired Maintenance Supervisor from Burlington Industries and a retired welder from War Eagle Boats. He was devoted to his family and loved spending time with them. He also loved hunting and fishing and was a long-time member of Second Baptist Church.
Survivors include three daughters, Sandra Hawkins, Brenda Brannon and husband Roger all of Monticello, and Jada Spence and husband Kenny of Magnolia; six grandchildren, Randy Hawkins, Stacey Davis, Teresa Mann, Jennifer Paladino, Kristi Rainwater and Chris Spence; and ten great-grandchildren.
Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 15, 2017 at Stephenson-Dearman Chapel with Rev. Kenny Worbington officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m. prior to the funeral service. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Oakland Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Eureka Lodge #40, c/o Scott Woodward, 605 Borchardt, St., Monticello, AR 71655. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.
He was awarded the 33rd Degree, the highest honor in the Scottish Rites and was presented this honor at the Albert Pike Masonic Memorial Temple in Little Rock. He was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in 1949 and served as Worshipful Master in 1960, 1961 and 1965. Mr. Cox also held the Junior Warden and Senior Warden chairs, served as secretary for the lodge for 33 years and was a certified instructor. In 1997, he was awarded the Masonic Medal of Honor.
Waymon was a World War II Veteran Shipfitter Third Class for the United States Navy where he earned the Asiatic-Pacific Medal (3 Stars), Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal (2 Stars) and the American Area Medal.
He was a retired Maintenance Supervisor from Burlington Industries and a retired welder from War Eagle Boats. He was devoted to his family and loved spending time with them. He also loved hunting and fishing and was a long-time member of Second Baptist Church.
Survivors include three daughters, Sandra Hawkins, Brenda Brannon and husband Roger all of Monticello, and Jada Spence and husband Kenny of Magnolia; six grandchildren, Randy Hawkins, Stacey Davis, Teresa Mann, Jennifer Paladino, Kristi Rainwater and Chris Spence; and ten great-grandchildren.
Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 15, 2017 at Stephenson-Dearman Chapel with Rev. Kenny Worbington officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m. prior to the funeral service. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Oakland Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Eureka Lodge #40, c/o Scott Woodward, 605 Borchardt, St., Monticello, AR 71655. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.