Stan Cox Obituary, Death – John Stanley Cox, beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, friend, software engineer, and brilliant guitarist, died on May 6, 2023, at his home. At the time, he was 54 years old. Stan, as he was affectionately known, was born on May 7, 1968, in Galax, Virginia, to parents John R. Cox and Evalena Cox. Alleghany County is where he grew up. He attended Alleghany High School, where he excelled academically as well as in football and golf.
He built his own flat bottom boat in shop class in high school and loved nothing more than drifting down the New River with family or friends, possibly catching a fish or two along the way. Stan’s interest in computer technology continued after high school, with a Bachelor of Technology from Appalachian State University and a Master’s degree from Clemson University. He went on to become a talented software engineer and industry leader, heading multiple teams and completing work that the rest of us non-engineers could never completely comprehend.
Aside from his business interests, Stan was a great pianist, golfer, and fisherman. He was a natural guitarist who could learn any song “by ear.” When he was younger, he was a member of two rock-and-roll bands: Eastern Thunder in high school and Joe Friday in college. Despite the fact that neither band achieved international acclaim, they had a devoted following that recalls the joy of watching them perform in smaller venues 30 years later. Stan played the guitar for the rest of his life, appearing in a few more bands from Raleigh to Las Vegas.
Stan was so enthusiastic about music that he and Ramona built the Rock & Roll High School in Apex, NC in 2012 to fulfill a long-held dream of theirs: to provide a place for kids to learn an instrument while also performing in a band. Over the years, hundreds of youngsters have had the opportunity to be a part of a rock and roll band and perform in front of an audience. People often state that they “never met a stranger,” and Stan exemplified this perfectly. He could talk to anyone about anything, and according to some of his close friends, if you asked him if it looked like rain, you might get an in-depth lesson on how rain gathers in clouds and why it would or would not rain that day.
Stan was a committed Christian with a firm belief. His religious convictions brought him great peace and comfort, and his kindness and charity to others reflected his religion. Stan is left by his wife of 29 years, Ramona Cox, and his two children, Kara and Kristen Cox, who were the light of his life. He is survived by his parents, John R. Cox and Evalena Cox, his sister Gail Cox, nephews Cory and Cody Brooks, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Stan was preceded in death by his infant brother, Allen Dale, as well as all of his cherished grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Everyone who knew Stan will miss him terribly. Anyone who had the good opportunity to meet him will never forget his warmth, humor, brilliance, and compassion. May he rest in peace, playing his guitar and enjoying the company of loved ones in heaven who have gone before him.
A memorial service will be place at Thomas Family Funeral Home on Friday, May 12, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a private grave funeral for the family at Pleasant Home Union Baptist Church at 1:00 p.m. Please consider making a memorial donation to your local animal shelter or Humane Society. Thomas Family Funeral Service has been chosen by the Cox family as their funeral home. You can offer your respects to the family online at www.thomasfamilyfs.com if you choose.
