Earl 'Neal' Cox relinquished his earthly roles and duties on April 23rd, 2026, to join his savior, Jesus Christ, in Heaven. He passed away peacefully, following a year of contending with pancreatic cancer, surrounded at home by friends and family.

Born on March 12th, 1952, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Neal was the second of three children. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Gladys, daughter Elizabeth Grace-Anna, and son, Micah Ezra. Neal is survived by his brother Gary Cox and sister Sharon Price, as well as his five sons Nathan (Adrianne), Jonas, David (Faithe), Stephen (Courtney), and Samuel Cox, and one daughter, Abigail Cox (Tony Wrape), and six grandchildren, Persephone, Rosemary, Aaralyn, Micah, Larkin, and Grayson.

Following high school, Neal obtained a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering technology from Western Kentucky University in 1975. He married Marjorie 'Ann' McGuyer, and they later moved to Chattanooga, TN, when Neal was transferred for a position with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Neal continued with TVA for fifty years. Ann and Neal proceeded to homeschool seven children for twenty-seven years together. He continued to support his children throughout their lives and careers, including graduate school, entrepreneurship, deployments, learning and practicing trades, and raising his grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 29 from 4-9 PM and Thursday, April 30 from 10-1 followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 1:00 PM at Hamilton Funeral Home 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson TN.

Consistent with his values, Neal was a faithful member of his church, River of Life of Rossville, GA, and an active participant in his local community as a volunteer with the Walden's Ridge Civic League. Everyone looked forward to seeing Neal Cox show up because he found great joy in helping his friends with whatever work needed to do.

Neal Cox was a man defined by his love for others. As a proud father, doting grandfather, beloved son, true brother, supportive partner, trusted friend, and devout child of God, he gave his life in service of others, never seeking recognition or compensation, because for him, the work itself was the reward. The role he embodied most fully, central to all the others, was that of a patriarch, a station which he assumed with integrity, kindness and, above all, patience. He sought to emulate his Heavenly Father, offering grace to those who did not deserve it, encouragement to those who needed it, and comfort to those in distress. The absence of his wisdom and guidance will be deeply felt by everyone who knew him.
Hamilton Funeral Home is honored to serve the Earl "Neal" Cox family.