“Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Ernie Lee Cox Sr., it summarized in every way who he was. He was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around him and always thinking before acting. He was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything he did. He was a friendly person who truly cared about those around him.

      Ernie was born on January 17, 1952 at Hamblem Hospital in Morristown, Tennessee. He was the son of Harrison "Dogwood" Arrowood and Mary Lee Cox. Raised in Johnson City, Tennessee, he was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, he learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that he would carry with him throughout his life.

      As a young boy, Ernie was always aware of how others around him felt and this quality served him well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, Ernie was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if Ernie was the family member who was always working to keep stress at bay. Preferring a quiet environment where he could concentrate, Ernie also had the ability to relate well with his family and friends. Ernie was raised with one sister. He had one older sister, Shirley Ann Cox. Ernie was constantly involved in activities with his family. Ernie and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up but they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years.

      Growing up, Ernie was one of those children who didn’t need to be in the center of a whirlwind of activity. He was content to entertain himself. Ernie was never pushy when it came to games and other activities, but rather, he was able to enjoy the pure fun these could bring. In just about everything he did as a child, Ernie was intent on pleasing both the adults and the other children around him. Ernie took part in a number of activities as a child. He took part in baseball and riding bikes.

      Ernie enjoyed learning. He always had a great memory and was particularly skilled at retaining factual information. Ernie was generally quiet in class, learning best through observation. He often showed great concentration and was competent at completing the tasks at hand. Good with details, Ernie was painstaking and accurate in his efforts. All of these talents culminated in a successful high school career. He graduated from Jonesboro High School in 1971. Ernie enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. His favorite class in high school was shop. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Mrs. Silvers.

      Most folks would say that Ernie was shy until they got to know him. Those who were privileged to know him well learned that he was a solid, good friend. Ernie was reluctant to generalize about people, and he based his friendships on his personal experiences. Because of this, Ernie best trusted those people that he truly knew. He was concerned about how those around him felt, and he always seemed to uncover the positive side of people. He could relate to others and had the ability to see their point of view, to “walk a mile in their shoes,” as the saying goes. The friends that he made, Ernie kept. While growing up, some of his best friends were Gary Conner, Leo Laws, and Roger Davidson. Later in life, he became friends with Gary Conner, and Marty Young.

      Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Ernie. On October 3, 1970 Ernie married Debra Kay Quillen at 2602 First Street, Home of Brides Parents of Johnson City, Tennessee. He was totally committed to Debra and maintained traditional ideals about marriage. It was as if Ernie naturally sensed his spouse’s needs, and accepted those feelings unconditionally. Although Ernie disliked conflict, he did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times.

      Ernie was a good father to his children. He had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because he trusted emotions, Ernie was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way he seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around him, always thinking before acting. In addition, Ernie was a master planner. No matter how hectic life around him might be, he seemed to know and track everyone’s schedule. Ernie was blessed with two children, one son, Ernie Lee Cox, Jr. and one daughter, Christie Dawn Cooper. They were also blessed with five grandchildren, Anthony, Lita, Brandon, Brittani, and Bradley.

      If you gave Ernie a deadline, he would meet it. At work, Ernie was always on task. Without hesitation, Ernie could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. His primary occupation was Machine Operator. He was employed for American Water Heater for 23 years. During that time, Ernie excelled in working with small groups in order to complete assignments. He was able to quickly grasp concrete ideas and could organize and plan the best way to accomplish things with remarkable consistency. Ernie was good at staying on track and was considerate in listening to what others had to say. In this way, Ernie had a true gift for being able to come up with practical resolutions to difficult problems. He was often the team member who managed to put forth a win/win solution for all parties.

      Ernie liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced Ernie's choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, Ernie preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on his hobbies. His favorite pursuits were playing softball and wood working. Ernie was content to sit quietly alone, enjoying his hobbies all by himself and could often be found just reading about his favorite pastimes.

      While thorough and measured in his approach to things, Ernie often liked to physically do things rather than just think about them. He was like that with sports. Recreational sports included softball. He also enjoyed the statistical data and the facts behind the sports. In this way, he was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were baseball and football.

      An individual who respected and maintained traditional values, his faith was important to Ernie. His compassion, consideration and sympathy toward others was evident in his personal beliefs. He was a member of Southside Baptist Church for 32 years. During that time, he was a deacon and member of the house and grounds committee.

      Anyone who traveled or went on vacation with Ernie had smooth sailing. It was often taken for granted that he was the trip planner. He would start early and examine all of the possibilities, selecting the best and most effective options. Favorite vacations included Myrtle Beach.

      Ernie had Skeeter, Beasley, Pixie - Yorkie Shitzu, who was his best friend for 14 years. His family was rounded out by his cat, Sabby. Ernie was as loyal to his pets as they were to him.

      When Ernie's retirement finally arrived in 2014, he was well prepared. He had taken the time to learn about his various options and chose his course wisely. His new life involved staying in Johnson City, Tenneseee. In retirement, he found new pleasure in wood working. Even in retirement, Ernie continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

      Ernie passed away on February 26, 2021 at his home, 412 Matson Road, Jonesborough, Tennessee. Ernie fought lung and liver cancer for 8 months. He is survived by loving wife of 50 years, Debra Kay Quillen Cox. His children Ernie “Lee” Jr. and wife Dawn Cox of Gray, and Christie Dawn and husband Chad Cooper of Kingsport. Ernie was a great dad to his two children Lee and Christie. He loved them both so very much. He was always there for them whenever they needed something and provided strong, loving, truthful guidance to them and his grandchildren and he absolutely adored his great grandchildren. He leaves his grandchildren Anthony and wife Brittany Cox, Lita Cox, Brandon Arnett and fiancé Amanda Halverson, Brittani Arnett, Bradley and wife Christian Arnett, Samantha Cooper and Cara Cooper. The light of his life his great grandchildren, Brayden Cox, Carter Cox, Kyleigh Barnes, Brantley Arnett, Kelly Blake Arnett, Bradley Thomas, and Emery Halverson. Ernie is also survived by his beloved sister, Shirley Ann Cox of the home. Services were held at Strongtower Baptist Church in Gray, Tennessee. Ernie was cremated.

      It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Ernie was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Ernie was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of man to whom everyone was drawn. He was thorough and practical. Ernie Cox was very literal with his words. You always knew where you stood with Ernie. He will be missed.