LeRoy "Roy" Coxwell

LeRoy Coxwell

Gibson, GA  – LeRoy “Roy” Coxwell , 79, loving husband of Helen Coxville Williford Coxwell, entered into rest early Thursday morning, April 9, 2015 at his residence. Funeral services will be held at 3:00PM Sunday, April 12, 2015 at Reedy Creek Baptist Church with Rev. John Jenkins officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at 3:00PM on Monday, April 13, 2015 in the Carpenters Campground Cemetery in Maryville TN with Rev. Mike McClurg officiating.

The only child born to the late Lillie Mae Hood Coxwell and the late Claud Lee Coxwell, Roy was a native of Wadley.  After high school, he proudly served our country in the Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict, after which he served in the Air National Guard, retiring as a Master Sergeant with 26 years of service.  In 1966, Roy was the recipient of Georgia’s first Medal for Valor to a member of the Georgia Air National Guard for exceptional service in rescuing three Explorer Scouts trapped in a cave near Trenton.  Roy unselfishly volunteered in this rescue mission, entering the cave which was filled with poisonous gas several times to bring the three boys out safely as well as to recover the body of the Scoutmaster who had died from the gas fumes. He was a man of great bravery and honor, who loved Jesus with all his heart, faithfully serving Him at Reedy Creek Baptist Church. He would tell everyone that God had been good to him—that he had “been to a lot of places and seen a lot and done a lot” and considered himself to be a very blessed man. Roy is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior, basking in His glory and serving the Kings of Kings.

Other survivors include his children, Stewart Coxwell (Jennifer), Scott Coxwell, Barry Coxwell, David Coxwell and Cynthia Knight (Allen); and several grandchildren.  Pallbearers will be Commander Chief MSGT Ennis Hagin, retired, Senior MSGT Lee Alderman, retired, Senior MSGT Robert Owens, retired, Terry Englett, Sam Kitchens and Frank McCarthy.

The family will receive friends at Reedy Creek Baptist Church on Sunday, April 12, 2015 from 1:30-3:00PM prior to the funeral service.
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I’m Free

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free.
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call;
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way;
I found that place at the close of the day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss—
Ah, yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much—
Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.
Perhaps my time seems all too brief;
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now—He set me free!

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