Daniel Douglas "Dan" Cox

Daniel Douglas Cox was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Dan always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Dan was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges. Dan was born on June 8, 1949 at Claiborne County Hospital in Tazewell, TN. His parents were Jess and Mary Ruth Cox. Dan was raised in New Tazewell, TN. Always able to express himself well, Dan possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Dan was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic. Blessed with a balanced attitude, Dan was able to relate well with others. His occasional role as family mediator gave him the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Dan was raised with one sibling. He had one younger sister Annie. Dan had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return. As a young child, Dan showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated. Dan enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. He took part in football and softball. He was a member of 4-H. In his spare time he liked to help his father work on the farm. Known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and somewhat driven individual, Dan was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. His curious nature was spurred by his ability to maximize his personal learning style through employing a hands-on approach. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. He graduated from Claiborne County High School in 1967. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Friends and acquaintances found Dan an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Dan was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. Later in life, he became friends with Janice, Jim Eddington, Guy Carter, Steve Curtis, Bo Trent, Lisa Price, Kid-O, David Roach, Steve Burkhart, Sude Boo and everyone from the Moose Lodge. On July 30th, 2004 Dan exchanged wedding vows with Janice Cox at the Bent Creek Resort of Sevier County, TN. Dan was attentive to Janice's feelings, and he charmed Janice and others with his gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Dan was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship. Very much like a kid himself, Dan identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children’s personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire added common sense skills. Dan was blessed with three children and one step son, two daughters, Amy and Katy, one son, Billy and one step son, Chris. They were also blessed with ten grandchildren, Emma, Austin, Ali, Dawson, Ruthie, Aidan, Harrison, Darren, Candice and Brandon. Dan was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Dan’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Dan was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Dan could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was wind shield repair. He was self employed for over 30 years. Dan enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favorite pursuits were golf and bingo at the Moose Lodge every Friday. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others. Because he liked to take risks, Dan was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. He was enthusiastic and confident about these activities. In high school, Dan played football. Recreational sports included golf and softball. Dan was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were University of Tennessee football and basketball, golf and Nascar races. Dan was a gifted problem solver who worked hard to help accomplish group goals. This skill made him a wonderful asset to the various groups and organizations to which he belonged. Always matter-of-fact about what needed to be done, Dan worked steadily to meet any organization’s goals. Throughout his later years, Dan was an active member of the Moose Lodge #1560 Where he was the Governor. Dan’s natural leadership qualities placed him in consideration for public recognition, earning him accolades for his many and varied efforts throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included Lifetime Premier Award with Lifetime Membership of the Moose Association. Travel and vacations were experiences that Dan truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favorite vacations included St. Petersburg, FL and Garden City Beach. Dan passed away on June 10, 2013 at Tennova North Powell, TN. Due to Cardiac Arrest. He is survived by Wife Janice, Father Jess Cox, Mother Mary Ruth Cox,Sister Annie, Children:Amy,Katy,Billy and step son Chris and his 10 grandchildren. Services were held at Mynatt Funeral Home. Dan was laid to rest in LynnHurst Cemetery. Dan was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Daniel Douglas Cox a.k.a Dan the Man, Dan-O.