Funeral services for Julius E. "Sonny" Cox, 76, of Marshall will be held 2:00 p.m., Thursday, April 11, 2013 at Downs Funeral Home with Rev. Brenda Lucas and Rev. Ed Blackstone officiating. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at Downs Funeral Home. Mr. Cox passed away April 8, 2013 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Sonny Cox was born August 23, 1935 in Alexandria, Louisiana to Julius E. Cox Sr. and Jewell Marie Atkins Cox. Upon graduating High School in Tioga, Louisiana in 1952, Mr. Cox sought out an education as an x-ray technician at what was then Charity Hospital in Shreveport, Louisiana. Sonny then worked as the Chief Radiological Technologist for Marshall Memorial Hospital from 1953-1966. He was also a proud member of the Texas National Guard and was ordered to Active Duty in August of 1961 and he faithfully served his country in the U.S. Army as a Commissioned Officer with the rank of 1st Lt. He held the rank of Captain when he ended his military service. Mr. Cox returned to Marshall as part of the Texas National Guard for a total of 9 ½ years of loyal service. He also attended Panola College for several administrative programs rounding out his education and launching him into his future. On December 6, 1979 he married the love of his life, Brenda Steptoe Cox. Together they endeavored on a love filled life in which they shared raising 5 wonderful children and saw the birth of several successful businesses. Sonny was a long standing member of St. Marks United Methodist Church. He was a Master Mason in Good Standing with the Marshall Masonic Lodge No. 22 and was a 50+ year member. Mr. Cox was also a member of the American Legion, Post #0345 of Austin, Texas. Noble Julius E. Cox Jr. was a dedicated member of Shriners International and was a Brother of the 32degree in the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of the Valley of Dallas and the Orient of Texas. He was a dedicated member of Marshall Rotary International and the Texas Health Care Association. Sonny served on several committees and later went on to serve as the Regional President of the Texas Health Care Association. He served on the Board of Directors for many years. Sonny was elected as the President of the Texas Chapter of American College of Health Care Administrators, acted as the Secretary of the Harrison County Medical Society, and served as Preceptor of the Texas Board of Licensure for Nursing Home Administrators. Sonny loved to fish and mostly enjoyed this past-time while at the Lake House on Lake Sam Rayburn. Sonny truly enjoyed traveling with friends and Loved to be with family where he was always in charge. He had a very infectious laugh that could brighten up any room. He absolutely loved his dogs and would have had more of them if only time and space permitted. He had a genuine love for spoiling the Grand-children and Great Grand-Children. Overall, Sonny was a devoted and doting husband, father and a true family man that still found time to dedicate to bettering his community. Mr. Cox was the owner and administrator of Marshall Manor Nursing Home from 1968 - 1997 and in conjunction also served as the Business Manager of Marshall Medical Center for a great number of years. In 1999 the hard work and dedication lead to a dream being realized by Sonny and Brenda with the opening of Cypress Place Assisted Living where Sonny was the owner and administrator. Sonny finally retired in 2005 so he could do what he loved the most; dedicate his every waking moment to Brenda and the kids. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 33 years Brenda Cox of Marshall; his daughter Cheryl Eubanks and husband Homer of Tyler; daughter Cynthia Cox of Marshall; son J.E. Cox III "Trey" and wife Stormy of Marshall; daughter Mindi Cox of Marshall; and son Jess Casey of Marshall. He leaves a sister, Patricia Tidwell of Macon, Georgia and 9 beautiful grandchildren: Jennifer Jones, Ashley Stanley, Phillip Cox, Brandon Cox, Brittney Cox, Jonathan Cox, Kaitlyn Woodman, Layton Casey, and Makenzi Casey. He also had 4 Great-Grandchildren: Lex Cox, Samantha Jones, Luke Jones, and Mason Cox. He also leaves his Father-In-Law Preston Steptoe of San Augustine; Mother-In-Law Johnnie Parrill of Jefferson; Sister-In-Law Evelyn Runnels and husband Calvin; Sister-In-Law Debbie Wilson and husband Jimmy; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Very Special friends Marvin and Wanda Cureton; Eddie and Mary Green and a most gracious thanks to Jessica, Nancy, and Teresa of Hospice of East Texas. Mr. Cox was preceded in death by his parents; a Sister Jeanette Key of Pineville, Louisiana, and an infant brother David Cox. Pallbearers will be all 9 of the grandchildren. Honorary pallbearers will be all of his former employees at Marshall Manor Nursing Home and Cypress Place. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of East Texas and / or St. Marks United Methodist Church.