Charles S. Cox, Sr.

MARSHFIELD, Mass. (formerly of McKenzie, Tenn.) Obituary for Charles S. Cox, Sr. - 

Charles S. Cox, Sr, of Marshfield, Mass. (formerly of Norwell and Braintree) died peacefully on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at The Village at Proprietors Green in Marshfield.

He was born in Buchanan, Tenn., on July 3, 1935, son of the late Arthur and Rebecca (Jackson) Cox.

Charles graduated from McKenzie High School Class of 1954 and earned a B.S. in Economics and Finance from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He served our country as an officer in the U.S. Navy where he met his wife of 56 years. 

Charles built a remarkable life from adverse beginnings. He left his family’s one-room shack at age 9 and supported himself in any way he could. This included shining shoes, working on farms, selling bibles, and changing letters on the town’s movie marquis. He found work at a funeral home and a firehouse in exchange for room and board. He was always eager to work, and no job was beneath him.

His perseverance, hard work and intellect propelled him to become an accomplished investment advisor at Paine Webber/UBS for 44 years, where he was consistently recognized as a top performer, earning countless awards and accolades.

Charles enjoyed time with his family and grandkids, dining out with his wife, and shuttling her to the homes of their grandchildren nearly every day. He was an avid shopper of yard sales and thrift stores and loved to hunt for bargains. Studying the market and financial news was his life-long passion.

Those who knew him would describe him as humble, respectful, gentle, and kind. When asked about his day, he would always smile and reply “Fine and Dandy!”  

Charles was predeceased by his loving wife Edith “Lea” (Palleria) Cox, his beloved son Charles S. Cox, Jr., his grandson Spencer Cox, III, and all four of his siblings.

He is survived by his three devoted daughters Elizabeth (Robert) Ryan of Canton, MA, Lori-Anne (former husband John) Valianti of Marshfield, Mass., Julianna (Alan) Hale of Atkinson, New Hampshire, and Charles Jr’s surviving partner, Hilary Blocker of Canton, Mass. The memory of “Papa” will be cherished by his eight grandchildren: Nicole and Joseph Ryan, Austin and Isabella Cox, Nicholas and Olivia Valianti, Daniel and Rachel Hale. He will be missed dearly by extended family and friends. 

He was deeply grateful for the guidance of the Mckenzie Tenn. community and mentors who profoundly shaped his path and whose influence will forever be part of his story.

 

"Charlie" was much loved by the exceptional staff and caretakers at The Village at Proprietors Green, for whom we are immensely thankful.

 

 

Family and friends are welcome to attend his visitation on Friday, December 26, from 12-1 p.m. at the Atkinson Congregational Church, 101 Main St., Atkinson New Hampshire with a funeral service immediately following. Interment will be at the Linwood Cemetery, Haverhill.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to the McKenzie Public School District, 114 Bell Ave., McKenzie, TN 38201. Please note in memory of Charles Cox.

To share a memory or for more information, please visit www.farmerfuneralhomes.com

 

Eagle Tribune and Farmer Funeral Home

 

The service will be livestreamed for viewing for those unable to attend: https://atkinsoncc.org/livestream/