Joseph Cox Kingsport TN Obituary, Death – Joseph Matthew Hanh Cox, 24, of Kingsport, Tennessee, Tragically Passes Away on December 8, 2024, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Service, Selflessness, and Unwavering Dedication to His Community, Family, and Country
Joseph Matthew Hanh Cox, a 24-year-old native of Kingsport, Tennessee, tragically passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2024. His sudden death has left a deep and irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who loved him, including his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless individuals whose lives he touched through his selflessness, dedication, and unwavering commitment to service. Joseph’s passing marks the end of a life full of promise, and his loss is felt profoundly by all who knew him.
Joseph was born in Kingsport, Tennessee, on July 21, 2000, to Wayne and Beverly Cox. He was a vibrant, energetic child who quickly grew into a young man with an innate sense of duty and compassion. He attended Sullivan North High School in Kingsport, where he graduated in 2019. Even in his teenage years, Joseph demonstrated a natural inclination to help others. He was an active participant in various community service projects throughout his high school years, displaying a strong commitment to making the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time. His enthusiasm and energy were contagious, and his presence made a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.
After high school, Joseph chose to pursue a career in the military, a decision that would shape much of his adult life. His desire to serve his country and protect others led him to enroll in the prestigious Marion Military Institute, where he excelled academically and in his leadership roles. His dedication to his studies and his fellow cadets earned him the respect of both his instructors and peers.
In 2019, Joseph’s passion for service led him to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, where he embarked on an academic journey that would prepare him for a life dedicated to serving his country and protecting its citizens. His time at the academy was marked by discipline, hard work, and a commitment to excellence. Joseph’s achievements at the academy, along with his dedication to the core values of the Coast Guard, earned him the respect of his superiors and fellow cadets alike. He was known for his integrity, work ethic, and leadership abilities, and he quickly became a trusted figure among his peers.
Joseph’s military career began with a deployment to Bahrain, where he served in various roles that contributed to the safety and security of the region. His service was recognized with several commendations, including the Armed Forces Service Medal, the Global War on Terror Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal. These honors reflected his unwavering commitment to duty and his exemplary conduct while serving his country. Joseph’s dedication to the Coast Guard was evident in everything he did, and he approached each assignment with a sense of purpose and pride.
However, Joseph’s sense of service extended beyond his military career. He was also deeply committed to serving his local community. Even after completing his military service, Joseph continued to volunteer his time and talents to a variety of causes. He became a firefighter and EMT, roles in which he was able to put his skills to work in life-or-death situations, providing critical assistance during emergencies and ensuring the safety of those around him. His work as a first responder demonstrated his courage, compassion, and deep commitment to helping others, even at great personal risk. Whether it was responding to an emergency call or working to keep his community safe, Joseph was always willing to put others before himself.
Joseph’s love for his family was one of the defining aspects of his life. He was a devoted son to Wayne and Beverly Cox and a loving brother to his sister, Erika. His relationship with his family was built on mutual respect, love, and support, and he treasured every moment spent with them. He was especially close to his maternal grandmother, Dorothy Mann, and his bond with her was a source of immense joy and comfort. Joseph’s extended family also played a significant role in his life, and he cherished the time he spent with them, always eager to share his adventures, successes, and aspirations. His family’s love and support were unwavering, and they were a constant source of strength and encouragement throughout his life.
Joseph’s friends will always remember him for his kind and compassionate nature. He had an innate ability to connect with others, offering a listening ear, encouragement, and support whenever it was needed. His positivity was infectious, and his willingness to help others made him a beloved figure in his community. He was always ready to lend a hand, whether it was helping a neighbor, volunteering for a local charity, or simply being there for a friend in need. Joseph’s friendships were meaningful and deep, and those who knew him will forever hold on to the memories of his generosity and warmth.
Despite his many achievements, Joseph remained humble and grounded, never seeking recognition or praise for his actions. He was driven by a deep sense of duty to others and a commitment to making the world a better place. His kindness, generosity, and compassion were his defining traits, and he was always more concerned with helping others than with personal accolades. Joseph’s legacy is one of selflessness, love, and service to both his country and his community.
Joseph was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Robert “Don” Mann, and his paternal grandparents, Tom and Vickie Cox, and Veronia Cox. Their loss was a significant blow to Joseph and his family, but they took comfort in the knowledge that Joseph carried on their legacy of service and love. His death, while tragic, serves as a reminder of the deep connections that bind families together and the enduring impact of a life lived with purpose.
Joseph’s passing has left a profound sadness in the hearts of all who knew him, but his memory will live on in the stories and lives of those who were fortunate enough to cross his path. His legacy will be honored by his family, friends, and fellow servicemen and women, who will continue to live by the values he exemplified: service, kindness, and love for others.
A visitation to celebrate Joseph’s life will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Lynn Garden Baptist Church in Kingsport, Tennessee. This gathering will provide an opportunity for family, friends, and the community to come together and share their memories of Joseph, offering their condolences and celebrating the life of this remarkable young man. Following the visitation, a funeral service will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the church, with Pastor Rick Meade and Pastor Anthony Gragg officiating. The service will be a fitting tribute to Joseph’s life and the profound impact he had on all who knew him.
Joseph’s commitment to service and his love for his family will be further honored during a military graveside service on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Mountain Home National Cemetery. The service will begin at 11:00 a.m., with Joseph being honored with full military honors by the U.S. Coast Guard. Family and friends are invited to meet at the cemetery by 10:50 a.m. to pay their final respects and honor Joseph’s sacrifice and service to his country. This solemn ceremony will serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve in the military and the importance of remembering their contributions.
Joseph’s family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support they have received during this difficult time. While his loss has left a void that can never be filled, they take comfort in knowing that his legacy of service, kindness, and love will continue to inspire others. Joseph’s spirit will live on in the memories of those who knew him, and his life will continue to be a beacon of hope, courage, and dedication for generations to come.
In memory of Joseph, his family asks that donations be made to local charities that support first responders, veterans, and service members. This is a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to serving others and who will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate to know him. Joseph’s life, though tragically short, was filled with love, service, and a commitment to making the world a better place, and his memory will continue to inspire those who carry on his legacy.
