Ernest Jerry Cox

BELLVILLE: Ernest Jerry Cox, (PaPa), 85, passed away July 31, 2026 at Ogeechee Area Hospice in Statesboro, Georgia after a long battle with cancer. Jerry was born in Reidsville, Georgia and has lived in Bellville, Georgia for the past 19 years. Jerry was married to Rosalyn Rogers Cox for 57 years, and they had two children, Sid and Lori, and five grandchildren. He spent most of his life working for Rotary Corporation in Glennville, Georgia. He was the Vice President of Domestic Sales. Jerry worked for Rotary Corporation for over 40 years. During their time at Rehoboth Baptist Church, he served as a deacon and in various leadership positions. Jerry also served as mayor of Bellville from 2020 – 2023. He loved playing golf, and most of his buddies would have a few funny stories to tell.

When Rosalyn passed away in 2017, he found comfort in his devoted friends who met at Bernie’s, and the gym. These gentlemen brought him great love, joy, and support. Jerry reconnected with a friend from his high school days, Frances Kennedy Moody. They were married in March of 2020. Frances quickly became a part of the family.

Jerry and Frances have enjoyed their life in Bellville. They have been devoted members of Claxton First Church, and they found much love and support from their church family and their Sunday School Class.

Jerry loved people, and he loved to make people laugh. He also loved ministering to people and praying with them. He was a very unique person, and he will be truly missed by everyone.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Blocker and Ruby Cox; infant sister, Geraldine Cox; brother, Lamont Cox; son, Sid Cox.

SURVIVORS: wife, Frances Cox of Bellville; daughter, Lori (Randy) Tucker of Augusta; daughter in-law, Ruby Cox of Reidsville; step daughter, Karen M. Cooler; five grandchildren, Will (Dakota)Tucker, Logan (Morgan) Tucker, Jeremy (Caitlyn) Cox, Jeffery (Mandy) Cox, Luke (Bethany) Cox and five great grandchildren; niece, Ramona Ioane; nephews, Russ Rhoden and Gerald Cox.

VISITATION: Tuesday, August 4, 2026, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Claxton First Church.

FUNERAL: Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Claxton First Church.

BURIAL: Bay Branch Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.

REMEMBRANCES: Claxton First Church, 401 W. Main Street, Claxton, Ga. 30417; or Ogeechee Area Hospice, P.O. Box 534, Statesboro, Ga. 30458

Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home in charge of arrangements

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