Clarence Gary Cox

Clarence Gary Cox, of Memphis, Tennessee, returned to the Lord on August 2, 2025, with his wife of 56 years, Jerry, and his daughter, Kelly, by his side. He was 88 years old. Gary held a bachelor's degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and spent his career in the banking industry. Gary (known as "Bunny" to some) was born on April 22, 1937. At a very young age, he lived for a time in California, where his father was stationed as Lt. Colonel in the Army, but he was raised in the small town of Grand Junction, Tennessee, and was a Southerner through and through. Gary was christened at Immanuel Episcopal Church in La Grange, Tennessee, the oldest church in the Western Diocese, where his family roots run back to its founding. His grandparents were closely involved with the National Field Trial Championships in Grand Junction, and as a child, he formed enduring sense memories of those cold February days. After moving to Memphis, he frequently returned to Grand Junction to visit old friends and imbued his daughter with a continuing love for the area. Gary loved spending the day at his farm, fishing the ponds, and watching for wildlife. He loved a peaceful sunset to the sound of crickets. He loved tropical locales, especially the Cayman Islands. He loved fast cars, drag racing, and motorcycles. He loved animals, both domestic and wild. He loved a good meal and a cold beer. He loved music. And he loved people. The last two overlapped frequently as he had many friends in the music business, including American Sound Studio founder Chips Moman. He even rode motorcycles with Elvis Presley. Along with his tight-knit family and his animals, Gary's many friends were a huge part of his world. He cultivated lasting friendships with people from all walks of life. He was known for being a very accepting and nonjudgmental person, with a deeply caring disposition. And he had a fantastic laugh. Gary avowed a deep faith in God and did not fear death, as he believed strongly in eternal life in Christ. He is preceded in death by his father, Clarence Lee Cox, his mother, Louise Rose Cox, and two infant sisters. He leaves behind his wife, Jerry Ann Cox, his daughter, Kelly Cox, and countless cherished friends. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Beagle Freedom Project, the World Wildlife Fund, or Ducks Unlimited.