Edward Cox

Edward Wayne Cox, 84, passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Thanksgiving Day, November 28th, 2024. Born May 7th, 1940, in Rosenberg, Texas, Ed was the 10th of 12 children brought into the world by William and Odessa Cox.

Growing up in a large family (known in town as "Cox's Army"), he retained an enduring love for the company of people for all his days. After more than 12 years of service in the US Navy, he returned to start a family and become a pastor in the Seventh-day Adventist church, which carried him to locations far and wide to serve in many roles within the church throughout his life.

Not a day passed that he didn't look to improve the lives of those he came into contact with in ways great and small.

Whether it be a lonely elderly person needing a friend, a homeless stranger needing a meal and a prayer, one of his children needing a shoulder to lean on during a rough spell, or the wife whose happiness he was devoted to for 36 years just needing a smile and a large iced tea on a hot day, Ed didn't just put the happiness of others above his own-the happiness of others was his own.

While Ed and his many daily acts of kindness will surely be missed, the memories of his generosity will carry on in the lives of those he touched, who one suspects might be a little more likely to spread the goodwill he embodied when someone they know needs a hand.

Ed spent the last evening of his life in the company of his wife, Rosie, and his daughter, Sheila, decorating a Christmas tree with the multi-colored lights he had carefully chosen a few days earlier flashing into the night. They will be joined by his sons, Martin and Brian, his granddaughter, Brittany, along with his great-grandchildren and many other family and friends to pay their respects during services on December 27 at 11:00 AM at Cedar Ridge SDA Church (where flowers can be sent starting at 9:00 AM on the 27th), followed that afternoon by interment at Chattanooga National Cemetery.