J.R. Cox

Funeral services for J.R. Cox, Jr., 95, of Lufkin will be held Sunday, November 21, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. in the Henderson Chapel of the First United Methodist Church of Lufkin with Reverend Nick Sholars and Reverend Mike Tyson officiating. Graveside services will be held Tuesday, November 23, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. in the Bethesda Cemetery near Weatherford.

Mr. Cox was born August 11, 1915 in Weatherford, Texas to the late Andella (Grable) and John Robert Cox, and died Wednesday, November 17, 2010 in a local hospital.

Mr. Cox graduated from Mineral Wells High School where he was active in sports, especially football and basketball. He had a 42 year career with Perry Brothers, serving 16 years as manager or district manager in Ennis, Jacksonville, and Stamford, followed by 26 years as a buyer in Lufkin. Mr. Cox's retail career was interrupted by three years of service in the 193rd Ordnance of the U.S. Army, attached to the Fifth Air Corp during World War II. After business administration training in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, he served on Biak Island and in New Guinea in the Pacific Theater. In addition to service stripes, overseas bars and the Victory Medal, Mr. Cox was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and two Bronze Stars, the Good Conduct Medal and the Meritorious Unit Award.

Mr. Cox was baptized when he was twelve and grew up in a family that loved the Lord and gospel music. He and Janette were members of the First United Methodist Church of Lufkin and the couples' Sunday school since 1954, and he was a past member of the board.

Dancing was a major part of J.R. and Janette's life from the mid 1930s until this past summer. They also played golf and bridge and maintained friendships of all ages with memberships in various dance groups, the Lufkin Country Club, and bridge clubs.

Family and friends were his world, and he cherished and was devoted to both. Mr. Cox was a loving and kind father and grandfather, known for his gentle but firm demeanor that earned respect from all who knew him. He was steadfast, loyal and kind and made family his top priority, especially his devotion to Janette.

Survivors include his wife of 73 years, Mary Janette (Cranford) Cox; daughters and sons-in-law, Rhonda and Jerry Merriman of Lufkin and Tamara and Jeff Hauser of Southlake; and grandchildren, John Merriman and James Merriman of San Francisco, California, Joy Merriman of Burbank, California, and Ryan Hauser and Rebecca Hauser of Southlake.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Cox was preceded in death by his sister, Afton (Cox) Gresham Fletcher.

Pallbearers will be Billy Beaver, Woody Gann, Jim Massingill, Chuck Royston, Bobby Stanbery and Coleman Stanley.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jeff Hauser, Ryan Hauser, Jerry Merriman, John Merriman, James Merriman, Ernest Bartlett, Jr., Bill Gibbs, Dr. Dan Spivey, Don Brawley, George Clarke, David Walker, Bobby Warren, Tom Paxson, C.D. Picha, Jack Simpson, Ralph Vallone, Clifford Schmidt, and Billy B. Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Lufkin, 805 East Denman Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75901, one of the local hospices, or a charity of your choice.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful doctors and staff of Memorial Health Systems who provided such excellent and loving care.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday evening at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.