Royce Cox

Royce Don Cox, 71, of Midland, TX, went to be with God on March 29, 2015.  After a heroic battle with aphasia, Royce passed away at home, comfortably in his sleep, with his beloved family around him.Royce, a devoted servant, loved the Lord. He enjoyed spreading this love through singing with his friends and fellow congregation members of Kelview Heights Baptist Church.  Royce loved to play golf.  Many understood this to be his greatest pastime, but to Royce it was a “passion of a lifetime”.  He excelled over the years including “shooting his age” many times, a highly recognized accomplishment, beginning when he turned 67.  He also had a love for fishing. His love of sports and nature allowed him the opportunity to teach integrity and respect for sportsmanship and the outdoors to many.  He was an accomplished basketball official, being asked multiple times to officiate the Texas State U.I.L. High School Basketball Tournament.    Royce was known as having an unrelenting work ethic that showed in his desire to educate youth through his chosen occupation and calling for over 37 years.  He began his career in education in Roaring Springs where he coached and taught before moving to Big Spring in 1969.  He continued teaching and coaching golf until accepting the position of vice principal for Goliad Middle School in 1980. Throughout his career in Big Spring he was a principal in elementary, middle school and junior high school.  At one point he was offered a position outside the realm of education but respectfully declined stating that he could not leave his “hip huggers” which were his elementary students.   Royce truly touched and influenced so many lives with his ideal of “worry less and love more”.Royce was married to the love of his life Rue Ann Cox for 48 years.  They were an inspiring example of two souls predestined by God to be together.  He was an amazing father to both Michelle and Jimmy Cox, teaching them through his own actions the values of integrity, wisdom, respect, and love.  He was happiest when he was around family and the many friends that graced his life throughout the years.Royce is survived by his wife Rue Ann of Midland, four brothers and sisters, Thelma Burt of Knox City, Jackie Cox and wife Tippi of Ransom Canyon, Bobby Cox and wife Rosemary of Runaway Bay, and Carol Dickson and husband Dick of Benjamin.  His two children , Michelle Cox of Midland and Jimmy Cox and wife Mindy of Midland, four grandchildren Megan Ivie, Max Ivie, Avery Cox, and Marlee Woodward, and one great grandchild Kel Gard. He was preceded in death by his parents  Ayres and Leola Cox of O’Brien and brother Wallace Cox of Fort Worth.The family will receive guests on Thursday, April 2, 2015 from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at Kelview Heights Baptist Church on Friday, April 3, 2015 at 1:00 pm, with graveside immediately following at Resthaven Memorial Park.A scholarship fund, The Royce Cox Memorial Big Spring High School Golf Scholarship, has been established.  Should friends desire, contributions may be sent to The Royce Cox Memorial Golf Scholarship at any of the West Texas National Bank locations.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com. ,