MICHAEL RAY COX

Michael Ray Cox, 69, husband of Ginger Brown Cox, died on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020, at Prisma Health Richland Hospital.

Born on June 9, 1951, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, he was a son of the late Gordon W. and Jean Summerlin Cox. He was a member of Alice Drive Baptist Church. He was active in the Christian Golfers Association, junior golf programs and the Sumter Touchdown Club. He spent more than 30 years in education as a teacher and coach. He served as head baseball coach at Sumter High School for 12 years and coached basketball and football.

Mike and Ginger had a wonderful life together. They were blessed to have realized many of their common dreams. Many items on a lengthy bucket list were checked off, giving them countless lovely memories and images. They were quite the team.

Mike was the most wonderful father. His two daughters adored him and never missed an opportunity to tell him so. He was loved and respected by his sons-in-law, who considered him a second father. Many wonderful memories were made together as a family, including traveling, attending Carolina and Panther football games and the simplest of things like searching for shark teeth on the beach, taking long walks and celebrating milestones.

Nothing gave him more joy than spending time with his four grandchildren. He was the most loving and attentive granddad. He never missed an event that was important to the children. Although there were many enjoyable trips, the favorite times were just creating fun times at home.

Mike loved being on a golf course either playing a round with friends or teaching children. He was a true Gamecock fan. He also loved painting projects, shopping for the best deals and sharing chocolate purchases with others.

Mike had a beautiful, steady temperament. He faced each obstacle and uncertainty with courage and did not ever, even once, give in to despair. Spending time with friends, his brothers, golf buddies and neighbors gave him true pleasure. He loved helping people but never wanted to be seen or recognized for his efforts.

Survivors include his wife of 46 years; two children, Amy Cox Watford (Trent) of Columbia and Kimberly Cox McCorvey (Willis) of Graniteville; four grandchildren, Jane Harper Watford, Margaret Summerlin Watford, Katherine Summerlin McCorvey and Michael Taylor McCorvey; five brothers, Gordon W. Cox Jr. (Debbie) of Columbus, North Carolina, Gerald Cox (Linda) of Sumter, Gregory Cox of Sumter, Mark Cox (Robin) of Sumter and Miles Cox (Julie) of Ridgeway; a brother-in-law, Danny Brown (Tammy) of Charlotte, North Carolina; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A private memorial service will be held at Alice Drive Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Clay Smith officiating.

Memorials may be made to Alice Drive Baptist Church, 1305 Loring Mill Road, Sumter, SC 29150; the National Kidney Foundation, 500 Taylor St., Suite 101, Columbia, SC 29201; or to United Ministries, 36 S. Artillery Drive, Sumter, SC 29150.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.