Robert Lee “Bobby” Cox, 89, of Etowah, TN, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, in Etowah, surrounded by his wife and sons.

Born on June 24, 1937, in Chatsworth, GA, Bobby was the son of the late John F. “Windy” Cox and Rossie Ann Gregory Cox. He grew up in Etowah, TN, and attended Etowah High School with the Class of 1957. Bobby proudly served in the National Guard and later enjoyed a long career in maintenance at Huber Chemicals, where he worked until his retirement. He was a member of Calhoun First Baptist Church.

In his younger years, Bobby enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, and golfing. He also was a volunteer baseball coach in the Etowah Little League. In more recent years, Bobby enjoyed working in his garden and vineyard, taking great pride in his harvest and finding even greater pleasure in sharing it with others. Bobby also enjoyed making others laugh with his wonderful sense of humor and quick wittedness. And always, Bobby was a devoted Tennessee Vols fan.

Bobby looked forward to spending time with his friends in the Amish community. He visited them regularly, even taking candy to the children. Bobby also found great enjoyment in spending time with the men and supporting the ministry of Miracle Lake. Over his many visits, he grew to know and love them, even attending program graduations of some of the men.

Above all else, Bobby treasured his wife and family. He and his beloved wife, Sandra, shared over 28 wonderful years of marriage, building a life filled with love, laughter, and precious memories. Bobby enjoyed every moment he was able to spend with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Bobby’s faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of his life. He had a personal relationship with his Savior. He spent time with Him daily and assured his loved ones that he’d be in heaven when his earthly life ended, something that his family takes great comfort in.

Bobby is survived by his wife, Sandra Long Cox; his sons, Terry Cox (Sherri) and Kevin Cox (Tricia); his stepchildren, John Barry Barnett (Ana) and Dana Newberry (Eric); and his beloved grandchildren, Madeleine Cox Gilliland (Jared), Callie McKinley Cox, Laney Cox McCullough (Cort), Kayla Cox, Emily Mangrum (CJ), Jeremy Pope (Anastasia), Christy Cox, Rachel Barnett, Ryan Barnett, Hope Newberry, and Abbie Newberry Hill (Isaac).

He is also survived by four precious great-grandchildren, Lincoln James Gilliland, Caroline Grace Gilliland, Annie Lawson Gilliland, and Miles Mangrum.

He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bobby was preceded in death by his brothers, Jack Gregory Cox, Harold R. “Creepy” Cox, John E. “Buddy” Cox, and James Allen Cox; his sisters, Rita Cox Wilson, Peggy Cox Wall, and Ann Cox Black; and one grandson, Braden Kyle Newberry.

Pallbearers include Ryan Barnett, Jared Gilliland, Jeff Long, Mike Long, Cort McCullough, and Jeremy Pope. Honorary pallbearers include Tracy Brown, Jack Bryan, Johnny Cox, Billy Long, CJ Mangrum, and Randy Rayburn.

Because of Bobby’s deep love and support for the men and ministry of Miracle Lake, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Miracle Lake at https://miraclelake.org or mailed to Miracle Lake, 182 Co Rd 498, Etowah, TN 37331.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

A graveside service celebrating Bobby’s life will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Green Hill Cemetery in Etowah, TN. The service will be officiated by Bobby’s niece, Rev. Dr. Katie Morgan-Harper, and Pastor Nathan Melton, pastor of Calhoun First Baptist Church.