Thomas “Tom” Cox, Jr. peacefully entered the Kingdom of Heaven on Tuesday, February 26, 2025, at his home under the loving care of his family and Hospice Compassus.
Tom was born November 9, 1943, in Rogersville, Tenn. to the late Alice Dorothy Cox Morrell and Thomas Cox. He was the eldest of 18 children.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his loving in-laws, Charles and Sarah Vaclavicek and two grandchildren, Thomas Patrick Cox and Mollie Cox, as well as seven brothers and sisters.
Tom is survived by his loving, devoted wife of 60 years, Sonja Jean Vaclavicek Cox; three sons, Walter Raymond Cox (Monica) of Columbia, Tenn., Daniel Shane Cox (Cherie) of Lewisburg, Tenn., and Charles Christian Cox (Tammy) of Lewisburg, Tenn.; six grandchildren, Krissy (Kevin) Ott, Brian (Laura) Cox, Daniel ( Lyndsay) Cox, Austin (Marilyn) Cox, Bradley Cox, and Abby Cox; and five great-grandchildren, Addy Rey, Madi, Enzo, Ezra, and Morgan.
Tom served in the United States Army at West Point Military Academy for four years. It was here that he met the love of his life, Sonja. He so enjoyed joining Sonja for family dinners after church, and he often brought his military buddies with him for a good home-cooked meal.
In 1976, they moved from Highland Falls, New York, to Belfast, Tenn. where they settled to raise their boys in a simpler way of life. He retired in 2010 as a foreman from Dole Refrigerating after many years of dedication to the company. He enjoyed his retirement years, spending many hours on his favorite hobby. Tom was a car enthusiast who loved anything and everything to do with cars. He very much loved hanging out with his “Rat Rod” circle of friends.
Tom was a member of East Commerce Baptist Church for 48 years. In this time, he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and a teacher of the Royal Ambassadors. He especially enjoyed his adult Sunday School Class.
Visitation with the family was held at Bills-McGaugh & Hamilton Funeral Home, 755 Yell Road, Lewisburg, Tenn., Sunday, March 2, 2025, from 12:30 until 2:30 p.m. The funeral service was conducted following visitation at 2:30 p.m. Burial will immediately followed at Head Springs Cemetery in Belfast, Tenn.
Our family would like to thank all of the church family, dear friends, and community for their continued prayers, thoughts, and support during this most difficult time. Tom will be greatly missed.
Bills-McGaugh & Hamilton Funeral Home is honored to assist the family with arrangements
