Edgar Fred Cox, 1926-1999

  "The Call" is sometimes heard or realized late in life. Sometimes it seems to lie dormant and then spring to life like the crocus or tulip in spring. And like those radiant blossoms, the bloom of a pastorate can brighten many lives before fading away.

  Such was the ministry of Edgar "Fred" Cox. His pastoral ministry lasted just 10 years, but few would sell him as short as his time seemed to be. In fact, he still casts a long shadow that continues to touch the tiny congregation of Smith Chapel United Methodist Church in Great Falls, Virginia. He was physically small in stature, but remains larger than life in spirit and fruitfulness.

  Fred "always wanted to be a pastor." That’s what he once told me. He became a local pastor and took the course of study while still working at Eastern Airlines. When he retired from Eastern, he devoted his life to his wife, Emma, his family and his church. His memory is still fresh, and his love of the ministry, the church and his Lord will be remembered for a long time to come.

  His portrait hangs in the fellowship hall where the adult Sunday school class meets each week. Recently, one of the students commented, "It really feels right to see him there." We all agreed, because it always felt right when he was here. And while it’s only a picture now, it reminds us of how people can make a difference in the Kingdom. . . even if their flower blooms for only a season.

  Toward the end of his ministry and life, Fred could barely walk because of extremely bad knees. But that’s not what we remember so much. We remember that he made a difference at Smith Chapel. He made a difference in his church, his family, and in his world. I suspect he is now making a difference in Heaven. He is probably dancing before the Lord with new knees and a newfound energy. This time, however, he will bloom forever.

— David Zuchelli