Dale Dee Cox, 77, of Virginia, IL passed away Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, at his home.

He was born Oct. 30, 1948, in Panther Creek Township, the son of Oliver and Melissa (McClure) Cox. He married Coni Kay Sinclair on Nov. 27, 1970, in Virginia and she survives.

He is also survived by two daughters, Dr. Veronica Dale Bjorkman of Winston-Salem, NC, and Kaydee Grace (Keith “Shawn” II) Garrett of Charlotte, NC; two grandsons, Keith “Tripp” Garrett III and Kayden “Rhett” Garrett; three siblings, Nora Mae (Donald) Chapman of Virginia, George Lee (Glenda) Cox of Chandlerville, and Mary Ann (Wes) Newbern of Beardstown; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters and one brother, Lucy Chilton, Nathan Cox (surviving wife Kris of Virginia), and Jerri Jo Kingston.

Dale was a 1968 graduate of Virginia High School. He then joined the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam War. After his discharge he began the Dale Cox Construction Company, and for the last 32 years has served the Virginia and Jacksonville communities, including the Mobil/Reynolds Corporation. Dale was a member of the Virginia United Methodist Church, the Jacksonville Elks Lodge, and was a Life Member of the AMVETS. He had been a member and Past President of the Virginia Park Board, a former Alderman for the City of Virginia, and served on the Board for Garner Chapel Cemetery. Dale enjoyed NASCAR, sports, and his pets. His greatest joy was his grandsons.

A funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, at the Virginia United Methodist Church, with burial at Garner Chapel Cemetery. Blue jeans are encouraged. The family will meet friends 4-6 p.m. Wednesday at the church. Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project, Virginia UM Church, or Garner Chapel Cemetery. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Virginia is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.