Robert L. Cox

Robert L. Cox, affectionately known as Bob, Bobby, Dad, and Pop Pop, entered eternity early Thursday morning. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Bob’s life was filled with love, laughter, and a passion for storytelling and Tennessee football. Bob was married to his beautiful wife, Pat, for almost 55 years. Together, they built a life full of love, faith, and adventure, moving from Johnson City, TN, to South Carolina in 1974.

Born on October 22, 1942 in Johnson City, TN, Bob was a proud Tennessee Volunteer fan throughout his life, holding season tickets for over 30 years. Though he lived in South Carolina for much of his life, his heart never left his beloved Tennessee, especially when it came to cheering on the boys in orange. After retiring as a chemical engineer from Carolina Eastman, Bob turned his passion for storytelling into a second career. He became a columnist for the Johnson City Press, where he wrote weekly articles preserving the rich history of Johnson City. His dedication to local history also led him to create Bob Cox’s Yesteryear, a website chronicling his research and reflections. He authored several books, including works on the life and music of his great-uncle, talented fiddler Charlie Bowman.

Bob was a faithful member of Gantt Street Baptist Church for over 30 years, where he found joy in singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School and worshiping alongside his church family.

Bob loved people and never met a stranger. He and his wife, Pat, shared a tradition of Friday morning breakfasts with dear friends. These outings were followed up by his favorite pastime, treasure hunting at Goodwill.

Bob’s greatest joy was his family. He adored his wife, children, and especially his two grandsons, Philip and Nathaniel. He enjoyed many travels with his wife Pat, going for walks with his son Brandon, coffee trips with his daughter Sherri, but his greatest joy came from his visits from his grandsons.

Bob loved traveling and especially loved taking photos of his travels. He and Pat explored the country together alongside longtime dear friends Charlotte and Allan Stafford. In 2018, he embarked on his first overseas adventure to Europe with his wife and son, Brandon.

Bob was a lover of all animals, but none held a more special place in his heart than his cat, Sher, who could often be found curled up beside him in his favorite chair.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Leota Cox, and his father, Robert E. Cox. He is survived by his devoted wife, Pat Cox; son, Brandon (Kim) Cox; daughter, Sherri (Eric) Vardeman; grandsons, Philip and Nathaniel Cox; and his Aunt Doris Anderson.

Bob’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, in the stories he told, and in the history he preserved.

A visitation will be held at Gantt Street Baptist Church in Cayce, SC on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 11:00 am and a service at noon.