James Marvin "Marvin" Cox, age 81, of Greenwood, South Carolina, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

Born in Greenwood, South Carolina, on February 7, 1945, Marvin lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humble service, and deep love for his family and community. He was the beloved husband of Barbara Godfrey Cox, and together they built a life centered on Christ and serving others.

Marvin dedicated much of his working career to the Greenwood Mills, where he was known as a dependable and hardworking employee. While, Marvin faithfully served in his career, his greatest calling was serving the Lord. 

As a devoted member of Hodges Church of God, Marvin faithfully served wherever he was needed. For decades, he taught Sunday School, ministered to children, and invested in the lives of countless young people. Alongside Barbara, he dedicated more than twenty years to children's ministry, sharing the love of Jesus with generation after generation. He believed every child mattered and faithfully answered God's call to teach, encourage, and disciple them.

Marvin's ministry extended far beyond the church walls. He and Barbara lovingly provided meals for families in need, purchased bicycles for children, and faithfully served meals through the Pathway House homeless ministry in Greenwood. He never looked for praise or recognition; he simply saw needs and quietly met them. His life was a reflection of Christ's love in action.

Above all else, Marvin loved the Lord, and that love shaped the way he lived every day. He was a man of integrity, kindness, generosity, and compassion whose steady faith impacted countless lives. His greatest legacy is not found in earthly accomplishments, but in the people he pointed toward Jesus.

Marvin deeply loved his family and leaves behind a lasting heritage of faith that will continue through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, church family, and the many friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him. Though they grieve his passing, they find peace in the promise that he has heard the words he longed for all his life: "Well done, good and faithful servant."

He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman Cox and Viola Knight Cox; sisters, Ruby Southerland and Minnie Sue White; brothers, Arthur Cox and Bobby Cox; and sister-in-law, Martha Cox.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Barbara Godfrey Cox; children, Ray Cox (Mandy) and Brian Cox (Angela); seven grandchildren, Jessica Fleming (Matt), Jordan Wirtjes (Josh), Matthew Cox (Brooke), Mackenzie Wardell (Jacob), Eli Cox (Vanessa), Jacob Tesnear (Beth), and Amber Jansen; thirteen great grandchildren; and brothers, Troy Cox (Nancy) and Harold Cox. 

The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff of Agape Hospice, Chaplin Rick Hendrix, and Pastor Phillip Howle. 

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday at Hodges Church of God with Bishop Arnie Shipp, Bishop Jason Garner, and Rev. Earl Quick officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Memorial Gardens. 

Pallbearers will be Eli Cox, Matthew Cox, Josh Wirtjes, Matt Fleming, Jacob Wardell, and Shane Cox. 

The family will receive friends before the service from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the church.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pathway Ministries at 310 Panola Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646 (www.gwdpathway.org).