Virgil Jefferson Cox (November 5, 1904 – August 2, 1991) was an American politician and physician from Virginia. He was a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 1962 to 1965.
Virgil J. Cox | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Virginia House of Delegates | |
| In office 1962–1965 | |
| Preceded by | Joseph C. Moxley |
| Succeeded by | Jerry H. Geisler |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Virgil Jefferson Cox November 5, 1904 Grayson County, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | August 2, 1991 (aged 86) Galax, Virginia, U.S. |
| Resting place | Felts Cemetery |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Gladys Guynn |
| Alma mater | Emory and Henry College (BA) Medical College of Virginia (MD) |
| Occupation |
|
Early life
editVirgil Jefferson Cox was born on November 5, 1904, in Grayson County, Virginia, to Lucy (née McKnight) and Jefferson Davis Cox.[1] He grew up on a farm in Grayson County. He worked multiple jobs during college and graduated from Emory and Henry College with a Bachelor of Arts in 1929.[2][3] Cox taught at Baywood High School for two years and worked in sales during the summer. He then graduated from the Medical College of Virginia with a Doctor of Medicine in 1934.[2][3] He did his intern work at Wilmington General Hospital.[1] He also studied at Poly-Clinic Hospital in New York and the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary.[4]
Career
editIn 1936, Cox opened his medical office in Galax.[2] In 1952, he co-founded the non-profit Blue Ridge Hospital and Clinic. The hospital expanded and became Galax General Hospital. It was later replaced by Twin County Community Hospital.[2] He served as the hospital's president and was a member of its board of directors.[3]
Cox was a Democrat.[5] He represented Galax and Grayson County in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1962 to 1965. He helped support legislation that established Grayson Highlands State Park.[2][3]
Personal life
editCox married Gladys Guynn.[2] He owned the Dr. Virgil Cox House on West Stuart Drive in Galax.[1] He supported the Galax United Methodist Church.[1]
Cox died on August 2, 1991, at Twin County Community Hospital. He was buried in Felts Cemetery.[2]
Legacy
editIn 1983, Cox donated US$25,000 to Emory and Henry College to establish a scholarship for pre-medical students.[2][4]
References
edit- ^ a b c d "Cox, Virgil J., M.D." The Roanoke Times. August 4, 1991. p. D2. Retrieved October 12, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Hospital Founder Dies at 86". The Roanoke Times. August 4, 1991. p. D3. Retrieved October 12, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c d "Virgil Jefferson Cox". Virginia House of Delegates. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
- ^ a b "Galax Doctor Gives $25,000 to E&H College". The Roanoke Times. December 15, 1983. p. C17. Retrieved October 12, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Newly Elected Dr. Cox Set to Fulfill Election Pledge". The Register. November 16, 1961. p. 2B. Retrieved October 12, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
