Ronald (Ron) Lee Cox, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away on October 7, 2018 in Winchester, VA. He was 78.
He started his professional career at Exxon in Economics and Planning, and then moved to Mobil Oil to Management Training and Development before starting his own company, Management Worlds Inc. in Summit, NJ. Ron consulted and trained employees at many leading corporate, non-profit and government organizations in the world - including NASA, US Steel and GE. He especially enjoyed teaching strategic planning and loved helping employees learn to work collaboratively. He lived in Summit for 35 years as well as London, England and Houston, Texas.
Ron was born on July 5, 1940 in Wichita, KS, the son of Glenn B. and Lennie Hartman Cox. He earned a PhD from the University of Kansas. A loyal Jayhawk, he maintained a great affinity for the university and was a committed friend, supporter, and fan of the men’s basketball team. He loved the great traditions and rich history of Kansas athletics and visited Lawrence whenever he could to see friends and family.
On August 10, 1968 Ron married Dorothy (Dottie) Vann in Elsberry, MO. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
Ron retired in 2004 and moved with Dottie to Winchester, VA, a short drive to see their grandkids.
Ron had numerous hobbies including scuba diving, traveling, and going on long walks. An expert photographer, he leaves behind a treasure trove of amazing photos that captured extraordinary family memories. He loved computers and technology and was always available to share tips and tricks with family and friends.
Ron has been an active member of Unitarian Universalist Church for 45 years in Morristown, NJ and in Winchester, VA. He sang in the choir, planned services, served on many committees, and of course helped with any technology needs.
Ron is survived by his wife, Dottie; their daughter, Heather Cox Gaskins and son-in-law Elliott Gaskins and three grandchildren, Bryce, Carter, and Emma Belle of Springfield, VA; sister, Linda Cox Hottman (Bill) of Salina, KS and 5 nieces and 2 nephews – including Janelle and Troy Schremmer who visited Uncle Ron and Aunt Dottie often. He will be remembered lovingly by his family, including many close cousins, and his cherished friends.
Services for the Celebration of Life will be held on November 11, 2018 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Shenandoah Valley, 6380 Valley Pike, Stephens City, VA 22655. Service will begin at 2PM with a reception immediately following. Ron’s ashes will be scattered at Star Island in the spring.
Memorial contributions may be made to purchase a baby grand piano for his beloved church: The Unitarian Universalist Church of the Shenandoah Valley, PO Box 1574, Stephens City, VA 22655. Please put Ron’s name on the memo line.