Richard Smoot Cox

Richard Smoot Cox, age 85, of Laurinburg, NC and North Myrtle Beach, SC, passed away Sunday, October 8, 2023.  Born in Tabor City, NC, Richard was a son of the late Dewey Cicero Cox and Mamie Aretta Norris Cox.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers: Horace Mitchell Cox, Charles Douglas Cox, and George Lewis “Jack” Cox, and two sisters:  Mary Lou Cox Teal and Dixie Belle Cox Williford.

Richard was a 1960 graduate of East Carolina College, earning a Bachelor of Industrial Arts degree.  He was then owner and operator of Cox Furniture Company of Maxton, NC with his brother Charles. Richard served in the US Army and Reserves.  He married his honey Dixie Joanne Lovette in 1965. Richard and Dixie were charter members of St. Luke United Methodist Church in Laurinburg and they were continually active and raised their children in the church; Richard participated in the Methodist Men and enjoyed many years singing in the choir.

Richard was an avid golfer and was a member of Scotch Meadows Country Club in Laurinburg.  He was proud of his hole in one at Deercroft Golf & Country Club in 1995.

Richard loved music, and he loved to sing as well as dance.  He was an impressive shagger and he and Dixie were members of the Sandhill Shaggers Club in Southern Pines. 

Richard was most kind and generous always.  Together with Dixie, he was a volunteer with Scotland Regional Hospice and an active supporter and participant of their Annual Golf Tournament.  An accomplished woodworker, Richard enjoyed “working” long after “retirement” in his shop, the Cox Building in Laurinburg, until his move to North Myrtle Beach in 2021.  Through all the years, Mr. Richard was always ready to perform the quarter trick to the delight of children everywhere.

Above all else, Richard was most proud of his family.  He is survived by his wife of more than 58 years, Dixie Lovette Cox, a daughter Debra “Debbie” Cox Webb and son-in-law Dennis Edred Webb of North Myrtle Beach, SC, a son Warren Richard “Richie” Cox and daughter-in-law Bridget Holder Cox of Sunset Beach, NC, and grandchildren Olivia Grace Cox of Clemson, SC and Griffin Richard Cox of Sunset Beach, NC.  Richard is also loved and remembered by many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

A service to celebrate Richard’s life is planned for 1:00pm on Saturday, November 11 at St. Luke United Methodist Church in Laurinburg.  Visitation will follow in the fellowship hall. The family requests, with gratitude, that memorials be made as donations to Scotland Regional Hospice or St. Luke United Methodist Church.

Online condolences are encouraged and may be sent to the family at www.fulwoodfuneralservice.com.

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