George Edward Cox, Sr.

George Edward Cox, Sr (90) of Candler, NC entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 3, 2026. George entered this world on a snowy night on February 7, 1936 in Brownsburg, VA, one of 8 children of Frank and Murrell Cox.

The son of a farmer, he learned early to love working outdoors in the soil, something he was passionate about especially in his later years. He and Ruby grew an awesome vegetable garden. He loved his many roses too.

Raised in the church, he began his personal relationship with God in 1963 as a young husband and father of 4. He attended a revival at Immanuel Baptist Church on October 31, 1963. Dr. John Wolford spoke on the return of Christ. Having struggled with bitterness for many years, that night he gave his life to Christ and the Lord changed his heart almost immediately. He went from being unable to tolerate church to being unable to stay away from church.

Through many ups and downs, God eventually led George and his wife, Anne Rice Cox, to Hendersonville, NC. God laid on his heart to minister to the men and women he daily saw living on the street and struggling with addiction, something he too had struggled with before being freed by Christ. George, with the strong support and partnership of Anne, started a small weekly ministry of coffee and cookies and the Word that grew into Ministry Seven, now the Hendersonville Rescue Mission.

No matter where George lived he found a way to minister to others, whether a man in need of money looking for work, a neighbor, or a church member. George entered his Lord’s presence, rejoicing in the grace and mercy he received in this life which he was always quick to share with others.

George is survived by his wife of 27 years, Ruby Cox; his 4 children and their families: Mark Cox (Shirrell) of St. Albans, WV, Jeffery Cox (Donna) of Weaverville, NC, Nancy Friesen (Rick) of Roanoke, VA, and Jack Cox (Brenda) of Powhatan, VA; and 10 grandchildren: Jonathan McCain (Brittany) and daughter, Wendy Anderson (Bill) and 4 children, Jacob Cox (Gemma), Grace Cox, Navari Cox, Anna Friesen, Peter Friesen (Caroline), Hannah Schmitz (Daniel) and 3 children, Rachael Warf, Noah Cox (Sarah) and 2 children, and Paul Cox. He is also survived by his brother Carl Cox and sister Pauline Patteson.

He is also survived by his wife Ruby’s grandchildren, Garrett Hensley, Savannah Hensley, and James Hensley, who he loved dearly. He and Ruby played an important role in the early years of each of her grandchildren, caring for them after school, taking them to church, and being loving grandparents always there for them.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 34 years and mother of his children, Anne Rice Cox; his parents Frank and Murrell Cox of Raphine, VA, and 5 of his siblings.

A memorial service will be held at the Hendersonville Rescue Mission on a date soon to be announced, please check back. All who knew him are welcome. 

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Hendersonville Rescue Mission in memory of George Cox.

Anders Rice & Roper Funeral Home and Cremation Center is honored to serve the Cox family.