Robert "Bob" Cox

Robert "Bob" Cox, 84, departed this life on February 17, 2014, after his loving wife prepared him a sandwich at West Markham Rehab Center. Bob lived his life as a testament and triumph to the human spirit. Enduring rheumatoid arthritis for 38 years never lessened his zest and enjoyment of life. The last years of his life were an even larger uphill battle filled with surgeries, tests, treatments, medications, hospital stays, and months of very difficult rehab. Minutes before his death he had called his daughter to report on his recent gains in therapy and say how he was waiting on "momma", his wife, to bring him the cemetery papers to work on. Through the years Bob had taken it upon himself to refurbish and plot out his family's Austin Cemetery in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. This had consumed hundreds of hours of researching, measuring, drawing, creating documents, making trips to Walnut Ridge as well as fundraising and personally financing a great deal of it. Not only did he recreate a lovely resting place, he also decided to add a community park on land purchased by his brother, Archie. Bob grew up in Walnut Ridge and was the son of Frank and Ora Cox. He had many fond memories there and loved entertaining friends and family with his stories past and present. In 1954, he moved his family to Newport where he ran a meat packing plant and eventually became the quintessential entrepreneur starting Cox Fixture and Refrigeration by selling grocery equipment out of his home. Out of this meager beginning he has managed his current business for 51 years with his wife, Janeil and his son, Paul. Up until his last days he was going to auctions and still making business calls from his hospital room. Weeks before he was injured on his mobility scooter, he was outside for six hours having two men clean up the front part of his shop. He never wanted to retire or give up on anything. He loved his work, his family, his friends, and his Lord. Much of his success comes from having a very strong work ethic and being a man of integrity in all aspects of business. If Bob gave his word or hand shake then it was a done deal. If you asked around, you would find many people who would consider him a mentor in one way or another, whether it was helping them get a start in their careers, financing them, or just believing in them. There are countless lives he touched and inspired. Helping people was his passion and his only regret would be that he could not help more. He was never a man to complain about his illnesses or hard times. If anything, he was our inspiration for overcoming whatever life might bring and for that we thank him. Bob leaves behind his wife, partner, and best friend, Janeil, and the gratitude for all she has done to help him along every step of the way for more than 63 years. One could not be around him long without having to hear some proud parent or grand-parent comment about his children, Peggy Hays (Phil), Pam Reagan (Steve), Paul Cox (Christie), or his grandchildren, Angie, Amy, Kristin, Courtney, Neil, Rob, Katherine, Clark, Jeannie, or eight great-grandchildren; or his dog, Odus. He is also survived by his sister, Catherine Ponder (Miles), brother, Eddie; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Mack and Archie, and his true friend, Gary Williams. Bob is definitely a man to be missed and remembered by many. The family will receive friends at their home in North Little Rock from 2-4 p.m. Thursday, February 20. A viewing will be at Old Walnut Ridge Baptist Church from 12:30-2 p.m. with a funeral following at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 22. Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to Austin Cemetery Trust, 1708 Corbet Street, Walnut Ridge, Ark. 72476. Life is short. From Bob (Dad) we learned that one of life's greatest gifts is those we meet along the way. We will miss him. We already do. Goodbye for now. Life was more colorful with you in the world. Thanks for the memories and the lessons you have taught us. To leave a condolence, or light a memorial candle, please visit www.jacksonsfh.com. Arrangements by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home.