Francis Edward Cox

Francis Edward (Eddie) Cox, affectionately known as Gran Gran, 86 of Powhatan, VA went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday April 21, 2024, fittingly around the time of Church Service.
Born in Russell County, he was married to Brenda Cox for 65 years. He was a longtime member and Lay leader of Powhatan United Methodist Church and also a lay pastor and member of the ordination board for the Farmville District. He was known as a great orator and participated with the choir in Easter and Christmas programs, but he was most known for his prayers at hundreds of events. He started most of his prayers with, "Here I am again, Lord", and this will be treasured by everyone who was blessed to hear him pray.
He served 10 1/2 years in the US Air Force, 3 1/2 years as a mobile communications tech, 24 years as a maintenance engineer for American Tobacco Co., and as a part time consultant for Dresco Belting Co. during his retirement years.
Eddie was well known in his community volunteering at Relay for Life, serving as an elections officer, participating on the Powhatan County Schools building committee, and helping to bring soccer to Powhatan High School. He was an avid fan of all children's and grandchildren's activities over the many years and was known as Gran Gran to hundreds of "adopted grankids" who always heard Gran Gran's unmistakable voice in the crowd cheering them on.
He is survived by his wife, Brenda, whom he adored; 3 children, David Cox (Anne), Suzan Cox and Jacque Drake (Sheldon); 5 grandchildren, Maggie Sanders (Daniel), Kitty Dwojak (Ben), Derek Drake, Kelly Munoz and Heather Keister (Colton); 5 great-grandchildren, Aubrey, Kayden, Ellie, Sophie and Liam; many nieces, nephews and friends.
Born to Wilson and Maggie Cox in 1937 and the youngest of 11, he was preceded in death by his parents and all 10 of his brothers and sisters and their spouses, nieces, nephew's and also by 5 great-grandchildren. 
A visitation will be held Thursday, April 25, 2024 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, in the Bennett & Barden Funeral Home. The Funeral service will be held Friday in the Powhatan United Methodist Church at 2:00 pm. Interment Powhatan Community Cemetery. Online condolences can be made at bennettbardenfh.com.
In lieu of flowers please consider supporting the work Ed Cox's grandson is doing to help children at a children's center in the Middle East. Make checks payable to "His Helping Hands" and mail to 1450 Country Forest Lane, Powhatan, VA 23139 or visit www.his-helping-hands.org.

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