Rafiq Muwakil

Rafiq Muwakil (nee’ Lindbergh W. Cox Jr.) was born on March 18, 1949, to the late Bishop Lindbergh and Mother Alberta Cox. As the first-born son, he carried a quiet strength and sense of responsibility from an early age. He gave his life to Yahweh early in life, and his faith remained a guiding light throughout his journey.

Rafiq was educated in the Powhatan County Schools System and attended Virginia Commonwealth University. He later answered the call to serve his country as a proud United States Marine during the Vietnam War. His courage and dedication during his military service reflected the depth of his character and commitment to duty.

Rafiq was the proud owner of R & B Tree Service, a business he worked with is third born Bakari. Climbing trees was second nature to him, and he approached his work with skill, confidence, and passion. His strong work ethic also led him to a career with the United States Post Office, from which he retired in 2020. Retirement did not slow him down; instead, it gave him more time to enjoy one of his greatest pleasures—working in his yard. He took immense pride in his home’s curb appeal, finding peace and satisfaction in nurturing the beauty around him.

Early in life, Rafiq married Lydia Bell, and their union was blessed with 19 years of marriage. He believed in hard work and self-determination, principles that shaped both his professional and personal life.

Later in life, Rafiq found enduring love and in 2016 he married Teresita Blue, who truly was the apple of his eye for 22 years. Their bond brought him joy, companionship, and warmth in his later years. Rafiq loved his family. He honored his family and friends with frequent visits to those who could no longer get around. Every Sunday he would make his weekly calls to the sick and shut in. He was always looking out for his family both the Cox’s and the Fox’s.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Bishop Lindbergh and Mother Alberta Cox; his brother, Carlton; his sisters, Marian and Margaret; and his nephews, Don Mabry, Jr., John Mabry, Marlon Cox, and Michael D’Angelo Archer.

Rafiq leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Teresita Muwakil; his devoted daughter, Leslie Cox; his sons, Lindbergh Cox III, Bakari Ruggiero (Rabia) and Damari Muwakil (Nyla); Step-Children, Andrea and Mack Williams (Lynette); eight cherished grandchildren, Timothy Cox, Gabriel Cox, (Jamara) Charisa Cox, Nyesha Springs, LaSaundra Cox, Kennedee Cox, Sebastian Cox, and Alexander Cox; seven precious great-grandchildren, Ahmir, Andre, Peighton Cox, Aydan Lee, Tyler Cox, and Javonte King, Jr., Alannah, Michael and Aaliyah Benjamin; loving sister, Betty Mabry; his brother, Charlie Dale; mother n law, Idellar Blue; sister n law, Sheri Blue Jones; along with a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends, amongst them, devoted friends: Joe Johnson, Dennis Collins, and Richard Dukes.

Rafiq Muwakil will be remembered as a man of faith, strength, and determination —a Marine, a
businessman, a devoted family man, and a friend. He was a “man’s man.” He reminded all of us of our innate strength and fortitude. His legacy of hard work, love, strength and resilience will live on in all who knew and loved him. We will miss his genuine bravado! and his example of “Black” Man’s Masculinity and fortitude. He was “The Epitome”! It’s a Done Deal!