Marvin Dale Cox

Marvin “Dale” Cox, 66, of Goose Creek, South Carolina, passed away on August 23, 2019 after a hard fought, 2-year battle with Multiple Myeloma.

He was born on July 27, 1953 in Florence, South Carolina, son of Betty Edwards Cox and Alva Dain Cox.

Marvin was preceded in death by his father.

He is survived by his wife, Julia Heffron Cox of Goose Creek, South Carolina; his mother Betty Cox of Pamlico, South Carolina; children: Brandon Cox (Hannah) of Goose Creek, SC, and Tyler Cox of Los Angeles, CA; step children: Chad Mayer (Sydney) of Weaverville, NC, Dillon Mayer of Colorado Springs, CO; Siblings: Ronald “Ronny” Cox of Lake City, SC, William “Bryant” Cox (Suzette) of Toronto, Ontario, Teresa “Renee” Cox (Christine “Chris”) of Florence, SC; Grandchildren: Doug Howard, Ashley Cox, Nathan Cox, Oliver Mayer, and Roan Mayer.

Dale retired from the United States Air Force in 1991. During his time in the Air Force he served in Security Police and later as a Special Agent in the Office of Special Investigation (OSI). Shortly following his military retirement, he became a Law Enforcement Officer, much of this time was served undercover. Dale served as Chief of Police in both Pamplico and McColl, South Carolina. A long-time singer song writer, Dale then pursued a music career in Nashville for several years. After September 11, 2001, Dale was compelled to continue to serve his country. During Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) he deployed to Baghdad, Iraq. There he served as a contractor alongside his son, Brandon. He was ultimately promoted Guard Force Commander in the International Zone, Baghdad, Iraq. After returning to the United States he helped mold security protocol and write training curriculum for the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Security and Private Investigations sectors. Meanwhile, he formed his own security company: Cadre Security, which focused on training and providing licensed Security Officers, as well as firearms training. His love of teaching led him to an adjunct instructor position at Trident Technical College, where he taught continuing education and recertification for security professionals.

To say Dale was larger than life is an understatement. He came into this world extremely premature and without the modern medicine that we have today. Born at only, 3 lb 4 oz, his chances of surviving were low, yet he defied all expectations and lived life with passion, love, and adventure. He’s never met a stranger and touched nearly every soul that he encountered. He generously gave his love and time to help people in need, whether it was to help a stranded motorist or serve as a father figure for those without. Dale’s legacy as a lover and a fighter will live on in all that he has touched during his life with us.

The family will receive friends on August 27, 2019 from 1:00PM to 2:00PM at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, Goose Creek.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00PM on August 27, 2019 at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, Goose Creek, 869 St. James Avenue, Goose Creek, SC 29445. Interment with military honors will be held at 1:00PM on August 28, 2019 at Florence National Cemetery, 803 E. National Cemetery Rd, Florence, SC 29506.

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the Hope House or Fisher House of Charleston.

https://donate3.cancer.org/?campaign=hopelodgecharleston&_ga=2.179691620.1566550201.1566742981-600317718.1566742981

https://www.fisherhouse.org/ways-to-give/

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.mcalister-smith.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, Goose Creek, 869 St. James Avenue, Goose Creek, SC 29445, (843) 553-1511.