Robert Gary Cox

Robert Gary Cox, age 87, of Knoxville, passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Gary graduated from Fulton High School in 1956. On October 1, 1960, he began working at Rice Olds. In 1961, he proudly joined the United States Air Force, where he served until May 1966. After completing his service, he returned to Rice Olds on October 1, 1966, working on Cumberland Avenue. In 1971, he relocated with the company to Kingston Pike, where he continued his career. Gary dedicated 65 years of service to Rice Olds and the Rice family, forming many lifelong friendships along the way. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruby Rickard Cox; his father, John R. Cox; his wife of 51 years, Gaynor Baker Cox; his son, Russell Allen Harrell; his grandson, Richard Allen Caldwell; Allen Cox and Robert T. Davis, Jr. Gary is survived by his daughter, Angela Renee Caldwell (George); his granddaughter, Kendra Renee Caldwell (Breck); extended family, Sallie Cox, Sara McGill (Nick), Dottie Small, Ellen Brock (Alan), Pamella Smiddy (Don), Beverly Ogan Davis, Steve Davis, Lynn Davis (Amy), and beloved significant other, Brenda Murray. Family and friends may call at their convenience on Tuesday from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at Rose Funeral & Cremation – Mann. There will then be a visitation on Wednesday from 4:00 – 7:00 pm also at Rose – Mann. Family and friends will gather on Thursday at 9:30 am at Rose – Mann to line up for a procession to Lynnhurst Cemetery for an 11:00 am graveside service. Honorary pallbearers will be Scott Campbell, Steve Davis, Marshall Myer, Lynn Davis, Mel, Cole Campbell and others whose lives were touched by Gary. The family would like to extend special thanks to Don Campbell and wife Barbara, Scott Campbell and wife Jody, the entire Rice Buick GMC family, Bud Ford and wife Sandy, and Mel and Carol Beech for their love and support during this time. They would also like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Amanda Hosford and Sheri Park for the exceptional care, compassion, and dignity shown to Gary during the final weeks of his life. Special thanks to Amedisys Hospice as well for their care and compassion. Memorial contributions may be made in Gary's honor to either Tunnels to Towers, https://dogood.t2t.org/give/320847#!/donation/checkout, or the Wounded Warrior Project, woundedwarriorproject.org. Online condolences may be made at www.rosefuneraltn.com

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Robert Gary Cox

February 19, 2026