John Wayne Cox

John Wayne Cox Sr., 82, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on January 21, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife and children. He was born on April 24, 1943, in Galax, Virginia.

John married the love of his life, Jessie Mae Parks, on June 23, 1962, in Aberdeen, Maryland. Together they shared more than six decades of marriage, building a life centered on family, faith, and devotion.

John was a hardworking man who dedicated many years to his professional life. He retired from Chrysler and later retired from Indian River State College. He also worked for Sears and Walmart. Known for his strong work ethic and reliability, John took great pride in providing for his family and serving others.

He cherished time spent with his family and enjoyed camping, vacationing, watching NASCAR, and cheering on the Baltimore Orioles. Above all, John will be remembered for his love of family, his kindness, and his steady presence in the lives of all who knew him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Jessie Mae Parks Cox of Vero Beach; his daughter, Judy A. Hamm and husband Archie Hamm of Port St. Lucie; his sons, John Wayne Cox Jr. and wife Bridget Cox of Port St. Lucie, and Joseph Vance Cox and wife Lisa Cox of Fort Pierce.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jean Nicole Barden and husband Alex Barden of Port St. Lucie; Taylor Lindsey Rich and husband Spencer Rich of Palm Bay; grandsons Tyler Cox, Jacob Cox, and Bradley Cox; and granddaughter Ella Cox of Fort Pierce.

Great-grandchildren include Lilly Rich and Sawyer Rich of Palm Bay, and great-granddaughters Zoey Kahl and Emory Barden of Port St. Lucie.

John is further survived by his brother, Roy Cox of Ivanhoe, Virginia; his sister, Shirley Ann Goldberg of Fort Pierce; along with many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Posey Joe Cox and Bertha Crabb Cox; his infant twin siblings, Billy Ray and Bobby Joe; and his brothers and sisters, Nell Sturgill, Ima Lee Morris, Vera Sue Matherly, James Grover Cox, and Annie Mae Cox Taylor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to VNA Hospice in honor of John’s life and memory.

Services: Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 from 3:00-4:00 pm with a service to follow at 4:00 pm at Haisley Funeral Home, Fort Pierce. Burial will take place on Friday, January 30, 2026 at 2:30 pm at Bel-Air Memorial Gardens, Bel-Air, Maryland.