Elmer Everett Cox, 74, of Soddy-Daisy, passed away Saturday, Jan. 18, 2003, in an area hospital.

Mr. Cox served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Edisto, where he traveled to Antarctica on one of the Navy's first voyages there.  He graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a bachelor's degree in education and received his master's degree from George Peabody College in Nashville. He retired from the Hamilton Department of Education after 34 years of service as a well known teacher, principal and educator.

During his tenure with the Department of Education, he was principal at Daisy Elementary School, Soddy-Daisy Junior High School, Tiftonia Junior High School and Harrison Bay Vocational School. He was a member of the Saddle Pals Riding Club and Golden Spurs Trail Riders, and was an avid horseman and farmer. He loved working on his farms in Hamilton and Sequatchie counties, where he raised horses, cows and other farm animals.

He was preceded in death by his parents, the late Elmer and Annie Layne Cox.

Survivors include his son, Barton Everett Cox of Stokesdale, N.C.; daughters, LeeAnn Williamson of Chattanooga, Millie Clayton of Lebanon, Tenn.; sister, Anna Sue Correll of Soddy-Daisy; and grandchildren, Cade Williamson of Soddy-Daisy, Paul Cox of Madison, N.C.; and Justice and Rowdy McFall of Lebanon.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Rev Johnny Talley officiating.

Interment will be scheduled later in Chattanooga National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bible Baptist Church at P.O. Box 751, Jasper, TN 37347.

The family will receive friends today from 10:30 a.m. until service time at East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.