Jerry Eugene Cox, age 88, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 9, 2026, in his Crossville, TN home. Jerry was born on October 31, 1937, to James Wiley Cox and Zola Elizabeth Phipps Cox in Ashe County, Crumpler, NC.

When his family moved to Maryland, Jerry attended school in Rising Sun, MD, where he was a jokester and a “teacher’s pet” to one of his teachers. He also “played hooky” from school on many occasions. Eventually his father allowed him to quit school entirely and work on their farm.

On April 16, 1955, 17-year-old Jerry married his sweetheart, Joan Jackson in Elkton, MD. Together they raised three children: Jerry Jr., Julie, and Brenda Jill.

In 1958, Jerry began his own business, Cecil County Tree Service, by going door-to-door drumming up work. Over the years he became well-known as an honest, hardworking, and reputable tree surgeon. He had many clients in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Although he had several employees that came and went, some stayed for years. They all loved and respected him.

Jerry was known for his friendliness, his smile, his many stories, sense of humor, and his willingness to help others in any way he could. He enjoyed being in his home, organizing and reorganizing. Another pastime Jerry enjoyed was visiting thrift stores and buying up gospel music CDs. He would listen to each one, then keep or give them away. He enjoyed reading and exercising. He also loved eating out at Golden Corral.

Jerry had a love and passion for sharing the Word of God. He grabbed every opportunity to do that, even from the hospital bed! His keen interest in the lives of his friends and acquaintances, including his recent care givers and medical practitioners, was truly inspirational! He prayed for family and friends…he didn’t know any strangers. They were all friends and he felt each were worthy of his time and energy.

Jerry is survived by his son, Jerry Jr. (Terri); daughter, Julie (Dennis); grandchildren, Jeremy (Amy), Josh (Yosiday); Emily (Dan); and great-grandsons, Caleb and Isaac. He was preceded in death by Joan, wife of 68 years (2023); and daughter, “Jill” (2016).

A Memorial Service to honor Jerry’s life will be held as follows:

Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Crossville Seventh-day Adventist Church 2335 West Avenue, Crossville, TN

A reception and light meal will be served following the service.