John W. Cox

John W. Cox, 97, of Cleveland, passed away on Tuesday, December 15, 2020. He joyfully entered his Heavenly eternal home to be reunited with his beloved wife, Opal Lauderdale Cox.
He was born on April 14, 1923, in Crossfield, Alberta, Canada, but spent most of his early life in Vidora, Council, and Maple Creek, Saskatchewan. His interests in technology and electronics led him from his family farmlands to opportunities in Vancouver, B.C. and Chicago, IL. The unexpected passing of his sister Ruth’s husband, Rev. Glenn Pettyjohn, brought him to Cleveland, TN, to assist her with her three young daughters – Carol, Myrna and Gaye. A neighbor down the street, Opal Taylor Lauderdale, changed his life forever, becoming his definite soul mate. It was a match made in Heaven when they, and her four children, combined to become a family.
John was dedicated to his faith, family, and profession. He was a daily Bible reader and faithful prayer warrior. His amazing grace made him a role model to those around him. He was an electronic genius who could create or build anything he imagined – a homemade houseboat, ion machine for chemistry projects, or an electric steel guitar. He often fixed appliances.
He was owner of Cox Radio and TV for over 20 years, and after retirement worked with his stepsons at Jerry’s TV and Appliances and Sammy’s TV and Appliances. In between, he and Opal traveled to visit friends and family in Canada, Oregon, Washington and Texas. They also lived a few years at Satellite Beach, Florida.
John enjoyed gardening, camping, boating and family gatherings at home, the mountains, or beach. He was raised Pentecostal and had active memberships at Westwood Baptist and Shiloh Baptist Churches.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Opal Lauderdale Cox; stepson, Jerry Lauderdale; his parents, Jesse and Flossie Strycker Cox; sister, Ruth (Glenn) Pettyjohn; brother, Loren (Phyllis) Cox; granddaughter, Tasha Adele Coates; special nieces, Myrna Pettyjohn Hopkins and daughter Jill.
He is survived by his three daughters: Kimberly Cox (Rick) Lowe of Nashville, TN, Sylvia (Edward) Coates of Cleveland, and Linda (Jerry) McNabb of Jasper; son Sammy (Brenda) Lauderdale of Cleveland; grandchildren: Will Lauderdale, John (Becky) Pippenger, Angela (Paul) Burt, Celia (Chris) Lee, Micah Geren, Valerie Cate, Eddie (Angela) Coates, Tanner (Lindsay) Coates, Tab (Sarah) McNabb, Madison McNabb; great grandchildren: Sarah Lauderdale; Cash, Cael, and Coraleigh Coates; Jackson and Presley Coates; Bronwen and Noah Lee; Adam Crownover, Will and Bailey Walker; William Kurtz, Hatch McNabb; great-great grandchildren: Grayson Lauderdale and Harlan Grady; special nieces: Gaye Pettyjohn (Jerry) Smith, Carol Pettyjohn, and Barbara Ann Cox; special cousins: Donald and Mary Strycker of Queensbury, NY and Ellen Strycker Harrison of Clovis, NM; “adopted” daughter, Ann Hysinger Gray; and his special friends at Signature Health Care.
Because of Covid restrictions, a private family graveside service will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens at 11 a.m., Saturday, December 19, 2020. Rev. Perry Horner officiating. Companion Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.