Mr. Christopher Allen Cox, 36, of Columbia, died Friday, January 29, 2016. Born at Shaw Air Force Base on January 11, 1980, he was the son of Kathleen O'Brien. Christopher had a great love for so many things in his life: attending Spring Valley High School, riding his three-wheeler, making visits to the planetarium, and spending time with his cat, Onyx. He enjoyed watching little children, head rubs, bath time in his specially designed tub, and playing his tambourine. Christopher especially liked riding in the family's van and getting a "birds-eye" view of the world. He had a great appreciation for movies and music, and his particular favorites were Hootie and the Blowfish and Janet Jackson. Christopher touched so many lives with the unconditional love and joy he shared, and he will be deeply missed.

In addition to his loving and devoted mother, Christopher is survived by his maternal grandmother, Catherine O'Brien; uncles, Kevin (Anne) O'Brien, Dennis O'Brien, and Kenneth (Jenny) O'Brien; aunt, Kim O'Brien; and by cousins, Joseph, Will, Cody, Ashley, Matthew, and Kaitlyn O'Brien; father, David A. Cox; and special friend, Shelly Hopkins. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, George O'Brien; uncle, Patrick O'Brien; cousin, Kelly O'Brien and his beloved cat, Onyx.

A celebration of life for Christopher will be held at 6 o'clock in the evening, Tuesday, February 2nd, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Rd. Exn., Columbia, with The Rev. Fr. Richard Wilson and Pastor James Walden officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Kathleen extends a special thanks to the physicians, nurses and staff of Palmetto Health Richland for their loving care; and to the teachers, therapists, caregivers, and many others who touched Christopher's life along the way. Memorials may be made to the American Kidney Foundation, 6110 Executive Blvd., Rockville, MD 20582 or to the charity of one's choice.