James Ray Cox

The family of James Ray Cox, of Asheboro, rejoices in his journey to be with his Lord. “Poppy” passed away Thursday, October 15, 2020, at Brookdale Senior Living in Asheboro, with his wife by his side. A private family service is planned at a later date. James was born in Randolph County on March 7, 1927, the sixth child in a family of fourteen children born to Percy Lee and Leoline Routh Cox. He learned early the value of hard work and a man’s word. He served in the United States Army and spent most of his adult life employed at Pinehurst Textiles and at Lowe’s of Asheboro. Active at Calvary United Methodist Church, he served his Lord and others with numerous handyman jobs at the church and in the community. In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by siblings: Ruth Lineberry, Blanche Powell, Mary Routh Underwood, John Page Cox, Doris Trogdon Beeson, Percy Cox, Jr., Louvelia Ferguson Morris, Martha Williamson, and Charles Cox. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 71 years, Ruth Wright Cox, and his daughters: Kaye (Joe) Swaim of Reidsville, Phyllis (David) Rogers of Statesville, and Greta Gail (Doug) McDowell of Asheboro. Also surviving are grandchildren: Heath Swaim, Julie Wagoner, Shelley Rogers, Ashley Jimenez, and Carly Zimmerman; great-grandchildren: Mya, Ryder, Kason, Camila, James, Felix, and Zoey; his siblings: Rachel Davis, Irene Surratt, Wayne Cox, and Margaret Ester; and his sisters-in-law Eva Wright Beal and Treva Wright Davis, along with dozens of nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Victory Junction, 4500 Adam's Way, Randleman, NC 27317 or to Emmy’s House Children’s Advocacy Center, 235 E Academy St, Asheboro, NC 27203.