Obituary of Joseph Michael Cox

Brother Joseph Michael Cox, “Joe-Mike” was a 64 year old resident of Murfreesboro, TN who died unexpectedly November 22, 2016 at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital. Joe left behind a uniquely disparate family with memories full of love, strength, tears, and trauma but rich with laughter. Joe grew up on Old Hwy. 49 where he watched numerous people try to straighten out Cox’s Corner. He was a Harrison Central High School graduate class of 1970. Joe lived upon the level and parted upon the square as a proud member of the Masonic lodge. He had many eclectic odd jobs and hobbies from playing football, building and fixing things, from working at Ingalls Shipyard, to Singer Corp., to Ingram Books. His most notable was concocting different recipes as Chef/Owner of Seafood Kitchen in Gulfport, MS. He loved to put smiles on people’s faces by making their taste buds dance as he filled their bellies with his food. For over six decades he loved pit bulls, recipes, football, aged single malt scotch, playing cards, and raising hell. As he got bald on top and grey on the sides, he never lost his funny bone nor his stubbornness. His stories were often punctuated with the phrase, ‘I’ll drink to that!’ Joe will be met in the afterlife by his parents, Ellen L Cox (78y) and Jimmie E Cox (77y), and a grandson Malakai B Cox (1d). Still kicking are his younger brothers David M Cox (58y) and Mark A Cox (54y) and a family from two marriages; his son Brandon Cox (40y) and daughter-in-law Jennifer J Cox (36y), his former step-daughters Jamie L Guice (39y), and Mandy M Johnson (34y), his granddaughters Ashlynn B Dubbs (14y), Paisley M Hoffman (11m), his grandsons Conner O Johnson (19), Brennon K Johnson (15y), Gavin J Hitchings (14y), former wife and friend, Donna M Coyte (58y), and lastly his best friend and dog, Zeus, who shared his bed, his dinner plate, and his steadfast affection. Everyone who remembers Joe is asked to celebrate his life with either gumbo and wop biscuits, or a shrimp poboy. Cremation will take place at the family's convenience. The family is holding a private memorial celebration of his life followed by a few three-fingered shots of his favorite Chivas Regal, while making toasts to him. So Mote It Be. Donations to help the family with funeral expenses may be made by going to the following link: https://www.wecarecard.com/campaign/1061