Tommy Joe Cox

Tommy Joe Cox

June 14, 1956- October 31, 2026

Tommy Joe Cox was born and raised in Texas and spent nearly all his life in and around Waco, a town he knew like the back of his hand. He served four years in the United States Marine Corps, a chapter that shaped the way he carried himself ever after-steady, direct and always ready to show up for someone who needed him. He carried the discipline of those years quietly, without ever making a show of it, and it showed up in the way he kept his word and finished what he started.

He married Denise Cox, and the two shared 35 years together. His family grew to include his stepdaughters, Misty Butzke and Christie Watson.

His grandchildren were among his greatest joys, especially the long games of Wahoo around the table, a board game he rarely let anyone win. He played to win, every time, and then he laughed about it afterward. Those evenings stretched late into the night, the table crowded with family, and they are the kind of hours that outlast everything else.

Tommy was happiest with his hands busy. He played guitar, and he played in the way he did most things—for the pleasure of it, not for an audience. He built things with care, taking his time and getting the details right. He took open to the open road on his motorcycle whenever the chance came, and he loved to travel, whether it was a long-planned trip or a spur-of-the-movement drive with no destination.

He loved his dogs, Sally and Rocco, who were never far from his side.

Those who knew him will remember an outgoing man with a quick laugh and an easy way with people.

He was kind without being soft, funny without trying to be, and stubborn in the way of someone who knew his own mind and saw no reason to pretend otherwise. He loved it hard, and he helped anyone who asked, often before they had to. He was the person you called when something went wrong, and he came-every time, no questions asked, tools in hand and a joke ready.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Carolyn Bailey; his father, Joe Cox; his brother, Rickey Farmer; and his beloved stepdaughter, Christie Watson.

He is survived by his lovely wife, Denise Cox, his stepdaughter, Misty Butzke and husband Cody Butzke, his grandchildren, Braydon Watson (Kelsi Watson), Hunter Watson, Landree Watson, Caden Butzke, Nola Butzke, and Ivy Butzke along with a circle of family and friends who will miss him dearly.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Pecan Grove in Waco, Texas.