Vardon Cox

Harry Vardon Cox, 83, of Due West, entered his heavenly home on February 11, 2026. Born on Cox Road in Gastonia, NC on September 22, 1942, he was the son of the late James Coit and Myrtle Crites Cox. Vardon was a 1960 graduate of Lowell High School. He received his undergraduate degree in History from Erskine College in 1965. On August 5, 1980 he married Merry Busbee, to whom he was a devoted and loving husband for forty-five years.

Vardon was the embodiment of “good and faithful servant” as he devoted his life to serving others. He faithfully served his family, his players, and his community. This is evident in the way he raised his children, guiding and directing them with his words, as well as his actions. He molded young men and boys throughout his forty-five years as head tennis coach at Erskine College, as well as decades of coaching baseball with Due West Recreation. While serving his community, he wore numerous hats. He worked for nearly fifty years at Erskine College, where he was Director of the Student Center, Director of Summer Programs, and ran concessions (where he became known for his hot dog chili). Vardon also served in various organizations, including the Due West Lions Club, Little River Electric Board, and Due West Rescue Squad. He was also devoted to Greenville Presbyterian Church, where was a member for sixty years and served in various capacities, including Superintendent of Sunday School, Church Session Member, and was honored as a Deacon as well as Elder Emeritus.

It seems nearly impossible to summarize the life of a man like Vardon in a few short paragraphs, but Coach Cox left a legacy that is a gift to those who knew him; not because of who he was, but because of how he lived. Vardon’s kindness, generosity, and love knew no bounds. That love extended to sports, which began at birth when his father named Vardon, his only son, after his own favorite golfer, Harry Vardon. His love of sports led to a life devoted to coaching young men and women, for which was recognized by Erskine College with his induction into the Flying Fleet Hall of Fame in 1992. Vardon was honored for his tennis coaching and playing career, serving as captain and number one player for the men’s tennis team, earning the nickname “Ace” and was the longest serving coach in Erskine’s history. He had an infectious laugh that always made you smile. He was also an avid hunter, passing down this love to his sons and grandsons. As he always loved to tell stories, especially about people he met, we encourage you to every so often tell a story about him, about Coach Cox, because stories are how we keep those we have loved, and lost, alive.

In addition to his parents, Vardon was preceded in death by his son, Joseph Brian Cox; sister, Dorothy Lucille Cox Fletcher; and nephew, James Morris Moss.

Vardon is survived by his wife of 45 years, Merry Busbee Cox; sons, Matthew Vardon Cox (Reagan) and Daniel Brandon Cox, all of Due West, SC; and daughter, Tara Vardon Cox Setzler (Ben), of Newberry, SC. Surviving are also his sisters, Kathryn C. Hoffman of Rock Hill, SC; Jo Rita C. Perry of Heathsville, VA; and Dorcas C. Moss of Gastonia, NC. Vardon, or Paw Paw, as he was affectionately known by his grandchildren, is also survived by his grandchildren, Peyton C. Cox, Mati A. Cox, Reed M. Cox, Benjamin V. Setzler, and Eli J. Setzler. He is also survived by daughter-in-law, Dava Cox, and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 1:30PM to 2:30PM in the Fellowship Hall of Greenville Presbyterian Church. Funeral services will begin at 3:00PM in the church sanctuary. Burial will follow in Greenville Presbyterian Church cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Greenville Presbyterian Church, PO Box 157, Donalds, SC 29638 or Upper Abbeville County Recreation Association, PO Box 6, Donalds, SC 29638.

A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com.

Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Abbeville is assisting the Cox family.