We moved out of Eastwood Village in the same month of his passing.  Of course that means we didn't receive the Village newsletter.  I learned of his passing today in a peculiar way and my heart sank. He always went out of his way for our son Finnegan--dressing up in a sheet and playing scary music and making sure that we were going to bring him by to trick or treat.  He left Christmas presents at our door for him, too!  Many days he invited us in to tell his stories and show us around his walls of memories.  I heard this story a few times and with each telling, his pride and joy was beaming from him.  He told the story about his son not being accepted into Carolina and the disappointment his son expressed to him.  His advice?  Pin your Eagle Scout on and drive to Chapel Hill and talk with someone, but make sure they see your Eagle Scout!  It worked and he just loved to tell that story.  He was quite proud of his family.  From feeding the pigeons at the pier, to the squirrels in the yard, to keeping all of us critters entertained and amused, he is surely missed.

I wanted to take  a few minutes to express my condolences to the Cox Family.
I new Tommy for about 7 years. When Melissa Riddle and I would go to Eastwood Village, our home was right beside Tommy's home. He would come over for a few hour on every visit. We would have a glass of wine and Tommy would tell us stories about his military time and working for Sherman Williams, among other things going on in the world and family. I so enjoyed our time together.
Tommy was such a interesting person and I am so glad I got to know him.
Melissa and I miss him and the visits we had.

We miss you Tommy. Our love and thoughts are with you.

Troy Sanders

We send our sympathy to the Cox family in their loss of this fine man.  He was very supportive of the Eastwood Village community and always had a kind word to say when he thought a good job had been done of taking care of the Village.
He was a good story teller and would love to regale me with his bridge exploits.  Rest in peace Tom.  Thank you for your service to our country

Jill and Michael Hobson

When I was 3 years old my mom started the tradition of taking me to the McDonalds to get a biscuit and chocolate milk every Tuesday morning. We would get a biscuit "to go" when we left to feed the ducks at the beach on the way to preschool. Tuesdays were special. We became friends with a nice man there who was doing his crossword puzzle next to us everytime. Soon my brother, Shark, was born and would join us for our weekly visits. Mr. Cox was proud of us and when we told him about our latest tournament or games he didn't think we were bragging. Instead he would hug us and say, "Ha HA! That's it boys! Don't let anything stand in your way!" He would share stories about his son going through similar things we were going through. Mr. Cox was always there, and was always happy when he saw us, no matter how frail he seemed to get. It never occurred to me and Shark that we could go in and not see him. One present he gave us was a copy of a book that meant a lot to him when he was younger. In it is this quote, "You have the freedom to be yourself, your true self here and now-and nothing can stand in your way!" I am thankful for Mr. Cox reminding me to always push on and always remember who I am. Thank you Mr. Cox for fighting for my freedom. I hope you are soaring free now like your favorite seagull named Johnathon. We miss you so much. Holland Baynard and the Baynard Family

When I was 3 years old my mom started the tradition of taking me to the McDonalds to get a biscuit and chocolate milk every Tuesday morning. We would get a biscuit "to go" when we left to feed the ducks at the beach on the way to preschool.  Tuesdays were special.  We became friends with a nice man there who was doing his crossword puzzle next to us everytime.  Soon my brother, Shark, was born and would join us for our weekly visits.  Mr. Cox was proud of us and when we told him about our latest tournament or games he didn't think we were bragging.  Instead he would hug us and say, "Ha HA! That's it boys!  Don't let anything stand in your way!"  He would share stories about his son going through similar things we were going through.  Mr. Cox was always there, and was always happy when he saw us, no matter how frail he seemed to get. It never occurred to me and Shark that we could go in and not see him.  One present he gave us was a copy of a book that meant a lot to him when he was younger.  In it is this quote, "You have the freedom to be yourself, your true self here and now-and nothing can stand in your way!" I am thankful for Mr. Cox reminding me to always push on and always remember who I am.  Thank you Mr. Cox for fighting for my freedom.  I hope you are soaring free now like your favorite seagull named Johnathon.  We miss you so much.  Holland Baynard and the Baynard Family

Tommy was our across the street neighbor in Eastwood Village for many years.  We live in Chapel Hill, and he gave himself the job of caretaker/watchman when we weren't there.  But more than that, he was a dear friend.  We have so many fond memories! 
Tommy loved his jazz and he was Jim's #1 fan.  He would be Elizabeth's date to go hear Jimmy play, and the three of us would take off to hear other musicians.  Music was a big part of his life.
Tommy was a great storyteller.  He would bring his pretzels and come over for cocktails many an evening.  But he didn't like to be interrupted, frequently saying, "Now, Jimmy, just don't say anything until I've finished talking."  
Tommy was very proud of his family, and we feel like we know you all.  His loss is a big blow to all who knew him.  
May you all find peace in your memories.

We are very sorry for the families loss. He will be remembered in you hearts forever.
         The Ridenoure's

OBITUARY

J. Thomas "Tom" Cox Sr.

August 31, 1928 – July 25, 2016

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services