Russell Odell Cox

Russell Odell Cox, age 87, of Bennett, passed away on July 24, 2025. He was born on July 11, 1938, in Chatham County, North Carolina, to Robert and Annie Belle Phillips Cox. He spent his life surrounded by the land and community he loved where he formed long and enduring friendships with his neighbors.

Russell was a man of simple joys and strong roots. He found happiness in the outdoors. He was an avid hunter who enjoyed quail hunting and running his coon hounds and beagles. Russell also found pleasure in tending his garden or sharing the fruits of his labor with neighbors and friends. A country ham biscuit with hot black coffee and a side of blackberry jelly was his idea of a perfect morning. He had a deep appreciation for bluegrass and gospel music and would often be found at a local singing. He was a devoted member of Riverside Baptist Church.

Russell’s quiet strength, kindness, and devotion to his family and community will be remembered always. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, faith, and love for the land.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy Maness Cox; brother, Frank Cox and great-nephew, Casey Jones.

Russell is survived by his daughters, Vickey Cox Wright and Teresa Cox Smith (David); son, Randy Cox; sisters, Mary Joyce Auman (Dalton), Paulette Brechtel (Jack), Joleen Webster (Kenneth); brothers, Pete Cox (Sylvia) and Roy “Bud” Cox; grandchildren, Leslie Smith, Ryne Smith (Kristen) and Amanda Smith; great-grandchildren, Mattie, Kamryne, Jamie, Rylane and Rynslee; special friend, Joyce Deaton; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of family and friends.

Visitation will be held at Joyce-Brady Chapel from 5:00-7:00 pm on Monday, July 28, 2025. The funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at Riverside Baptist Church with Rev. Kenneth Bouldin and Rev. Tim Strider presiding. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Christian Church. The family will return to the fellowship hall at Riverside Baptist Church following the committal.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bennett Fire Department, PO Box 115, Bennett, NC 27208.

Condolences may be offered online at www.joycebradychapel.com.

Joyce-Brady Chapel is honored to serve the Cox Family.