Troy Cox

Troy Elby Cox, 98, of Lewisville, Texas, formerly of Savannah, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 19, in Lewisville, Texas. He was born July 10, 1926, in Middleton, Tennessee, the son of the late William Arthur Cox and Mittie Florence Tucker Cox.
Troy found his lifelong partner in Eva Joe Young Cox, and they were united in marriage on March 28, 1949. Together, they embarked on a beautiful journey that lasted for an incredible 74 years before her passing on Nov. 6, 2023.
Throughout his life, Troy resided in various places including Savannah, Tennessee, Middleton, Tennessee, Pekin, Illinois, Denton, Texas, and most recently, Lewisville, Texas.
He was a member of the Savannah Heights Church of Christ in Savannah, Tennessee, and took pleasure in spending time at the Hardin County Senior Center. He retired from Caterpillar Tractor Company and served his country proudly in the U.S. Army during WWII.
Troy thoroughly enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, card and board games, garage sales, flea markets, dancing, reciting old poems, and visiting with family and friends.
Troy had a sharp mind and loved being the center of attention with his dancing agility and storytelling memory, even at 98 years of age. He was very proud of the size tomatoes and turnips he would grow and would take them to the local newspaper to have photos and stories published highlighting his gardening skills. He loved fishing for catfish in the Tennessee River and telling stories about some of his best days on the river. One morning he caught 18 catfish that weight 82 pounds and another slower day he caught 3 that weighed 102 pounds. He loved sharing his knowledge and teaching others how to fish and garden. He loved live music and could often be found showing off his dance moves to music of the Wayne Jerrolds Band with his late wife Eva Joe.
He is survived by three sons, Vernon Cox and wife Cindi Feger Cox of Groveland, Illinois, Warren Cox and Suzann Essman Cox of Arvada, Colorado, Phillip Cox and wife Jeanette Fallon Cox of Highland Village, Texas; a sister, Georgia Meeks of Portsmouth, Virginia; eleven grandchildren, Elby Joe Cox, Erich Thompson, Vanessa Matthews, Spencer Cox, Monica Cox, Chase Cox, Darren Cox, Kyle Cox, Nolan Cox, Austin Cox, Mason Cox; honorary grandchildren, Cory Parker, Courtney Allen, Amber Hook Caldwell, Haley Hook; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.
In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Cox was preceded in death by a son, Roger Cox; daughter-in-law, Valerie Doan; three grandchildren, Anthony Dale Cox, Lewis Wayne Cox, Paige Joann Cox; two sisters: Wilma Luker, Dorothy Jean Rhoton; and three brothers: William “Bigon” Cox, James “Littleon” Cox, Kelton “Ted” Cox.
The legacy of Troy’s hard work, laughter, storytelling, and dancing will continue to inspire everyone whose lives he touched. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Memorial services were held on Saturday, Jan. 25, at Shackelford Funeral Directors in Selmer, Tennessee, and Scott Birk, Cory Parker, and Todd Buczynski officiated. Burial followed at Eureka Cemetery in Pocahontas, Tennessee.
Memorials may be made to: Hardin County Senior Center 9380 TN-128 Savannah TN 38372 or Savannah Heights Church of Christ