Robert Cox Sr.

November 22, 1940 - December 6, 2020

Robert Lee Cox, Sr., affectionately known as 'Bill' to some and 'Pastor Cox' to many others, was born on November 22, 1940, in Halls, Tennessee. Born to the late Clarence and Laimotia Cox, Sr., Robert Sr. was the fourth of seven children and was preceded in death by his sister Dora Dean Cox and wife Norma Jean Cox. On Sunday afternoon, December 6, 2020, Robert Sr., 80, was called home to be with Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, surrounded by family. Robert Sr., a genuinely warm-hearted spirit, grew up in Tennessee, where he was considered a jokester, always teasing his siblings and getting into trouble. He also played basketball for Halls Consolidated High School and graduated in 1958. During his childhood, Robert Sr. met Norma Jean, and they quickly became sweethearts. They united in Holy Matrimony in Ripley, Tennessee, on October 31, 1959. From this union, six sons were born: Eric, Robert Jr., Anthony, Keith Sr., Nathan, and Paris. Robert Sr., moved his growing family to Cincinnati, where he worked at Fenton Dry Cleaners and Kroger before following his passion for furniture and working with his hands. Around 1963, Robert worked his way through trade school (while still working full-time) and received his certification in Upholstery. Shortly thereafter, he opened his own business. Cox Custom Upholstery, located in Bond Hill for over 45 years, was one of Robert Sr.'s crowning achievements. His company gave him a platform to successfully serve the city's communities, businesses, and corporations. This business also allowed him to showcase his talents and work ethic and build his legacy of hard work and values. Robert Sr., became a Christian at a young age and truly loved the Lord. He joined Metropolitan CME Church in 1964, where he served in various capacities. His service roles included Chairman of the Steward Board, Usher Board, Lay Leader, Sunday School Teacher, Monthly Breakfast Club Ministry, Soup Kitchen Ministry and Bible Study Teacher for Senior Citizens. He was the Founder of Metropolitan's Tape Ministry, where he would record the entire church service on cassette tape, then make copies to share with the sick and shut in. He accepted the call to ministry in 1999 at 58 years old and went on to become the Pastor at Phillips Chapel CME Church in Addyston, Ohio for ten years before retiring in July 2009. Robert Sr.'s good-natured spirit followed him throughout his entire life. His servanthood and devotion to fellowship has afforded him numerous opportunities from engaging with children as a mentor, Scout Master and Leader, to being a part of church bowling leagues. Never one to pass up a good time or a good meal, Robert Sr., was a devoted loving husband and father, enjoyed any kind of activities or events that brought people together, and never met a stranger… just a friend he hadn't been acquainted with yet. Robert Sr., leaves to cherish his memories, his sons, Eric (Peggy), Robert Jr. (Juanita), Anthony, Keith Sr. (Angela), Nathan (Jewanna) and Paris (Dorinda); twelve grandchildren Kimberly (Richard), Steven, Keith Jr., Caleb, Joshua, Keisha, Rachel, Jacob, Angelia, Jonathan, Rhymon (Tyra) and Erica; and nine great-grandchildren; three sisters, Mary Hurtz of Chicago, IL; Maggie Alexander of Cincinnati, OH, and Dorothy Hankins of Humboldt, TN; two brothers, Clarence Cox Jr., of Cincinnati, OH and Roy Curtis Cox of Citrus Height, CA and a host of nieces, nephews, family, friends, the Addyston CME Church and his special Metropolitan CME Church Family.