Robert Wells Cox

Robert Wells “Bob” Cox left his earthly home on September 3, 2026, to enter his heavenly home. There to welcome him were his father, Robert; his mother, Sadie; his beloved late wife, Carole; and his Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Bob was born in Beaver Dam, Kentucky, on August 9, 1940, and spent his childhood in Oak Ridge, where he graduated from Oak Ridge High School with the class of 1958. Following high school, he proudly served in the United States Navy taking classes at the University of Oklahoma. After his honorable discharge, Bob attended the University of Tennessee and East Tennessee State University.

As a natural born salesman and gifted trader, it followed that he would begin his career at East Tennessee Ford before eventually establishing his own business, Bob Cox Camper Country. In his later years, he enjoyed participating in local gun shows and visiting with friends and fellow enthusiasts.

Bob had a genuine gift for loving people and embracing life. His years were filled with family, traveling with his friend group from Grace Baptist Church, hunting, fishing, golfing, and swimming parties at his home. As the years passed, Bob’s circle of friends widened to a Friday morning breakfast group, and golfing weekly with his elementary school friend, Ritchie Blackerby.

Above all, Bob’s greatest gift was the way he loved, respected, and accepted people exactly as they were. His warmth was a ministry in itself. His laughter, easy smile, and sparkle in his eyes made those around him feel valued and loved. Even during his final years at Ben Atchley Tennessee State Veterans’ Home, Bob continued to encourage everyone he met. The staff affectionately called him the “Mayor of Ben Atchley” (Hall C) because he was always visiting with others, smiling, and offering a kind word.

Heartfelt gratitude is extended to the medical staff and caregivers at Ben Atchley Tennessee State Veterans’ Home who cared for Bob during these past few years.

Those left to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy are his devoted wife, Carla; son, Steven W. (Jama) Cox; daughter, Stacie Cox Waters; grandsons, Donald E. (Tre) (Megan) Waters III, Robert Trent Waters, and Christian Kyle Cox; great-granddaughter, Marlow Waters; sister, Sandra Cox Tuck (Tom); his former brother-in-law, Walter Allen Bratten, and a special niece and several special nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at Grace Baptist Church on October 3rd at 11:00am followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cross Ministries at www.crossministries.org or Grace Baptist Church at www.gracebc.org. 

Condolences can be left for the family at www.mynattfh.com

Mynatt Funeral Home Powell Chapel is honored to be serving the family of Robert Wells Cox.

Mynatt Funeral Home Powell Chapel * 2000 Powell Drive * Powell, TN 37849 * (865) 362-5382 * www.mynattfh.com