Alfred Cary Cox, Sr.

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Alfred Cary Cox, Sr. was a 1948 Clemson graduate who has the distinction of being the only player to have been captain of both the Clemson Tiger and South Carolina Gamecock football teams. He was also an assistant coach under Frank Howard in 1949.

Cox was born December 31, 1922, in Dawson, Georgia, (Terrell County), the fourth son and youngest child of William Reid Cox, Sr. and Charlotte Irene Crawford.

As a graduate of the U.S. Naval Reserve Midshipmen School (Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois,) he served as Officer in Charge in the Pacific theatre during World War II, and later received his commission as a Lieutenant. After the war, he returned to Clemson and graduated with the Class of 1948. He lettered in football in both 1946 and 1947, and served as team captain.

After a one year stint as an assistant coach for Freshmen under Frank Howard in 1949, Cox moved onto other pastures and spent most of his career in investment banking, working for companies including Courts & Co., R.S. Dickson, Dominick & Dominick, Shields & Co., Johnson, Lane, Space & Smith, and E.F. Hutton. He was highly regarded for his role of mentor to a number of younger associates and was appreciated for his teaching and encouragement.

Cox joined the Capital City Club in 1962 and became a 40-year Life Member in 2002 (Carpe Diem). Retirement finally came at the age of 80 as President of Starvin' Marvin Food Stores.

Cox passed away on September 30, 2006 at age 83. He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara B. Cox; six sons: Alfred C. Cox, Jr., of Anderson, S.C., John N. Cox, Sr. (Andrea) of Atlanta, William Reid Cox, III, (Jan) of Orlando, Florida, R. Craig Cox of Greenville, South Carolina, Scott E. Boylan (Joanne) of Atlanta, and W. Travis Boylan (Sandy) of Duluth, Georgia. Thirteen grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his former wife, Elizabeth Barton Cox.