Cary Cox Sr.

1951 - 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Cary Cox Sr., 74, of Moline, IL. Cary passed away on March 11th in Moline. To know Cary (which it often seemed everyone did) was to know a one-of-a-kind man. He truly never met a stranger. His larger-than-life personality filled any room he entered. As kids today would say. Cary had "Aura".

Cary was born September 9th, 1951, in Moline, the youngest son of R. Earl and Thelma Cox. He grew up in Rock Island, IL, a place that was always near and dear to his heart. Growing up, Cary was an avid athlete who stood out in basketball and baseball. He was also a lover of music. Some of his favorite memories included seeing Jimi Hendrix at the Col Ballroom and going to festivals like the Kickapoo Creek Rock Festival.

He spent the majority of his adult life in the car business. As a young man, he started working for Johnny Lujack and continued for many years through the heyday of Lujack's Northpark Auto Plaza. Cary is a literal legend in the car business. He spent the latter years of his career at Eriksen Chevrolet, from where he retired in January after more than 4 decades. It will be at least 4 decades before they stop telling stories about Cary. The car business wasn't just his career - it was part of who he was. He loved meeting people, telling stories, and building relationships that lasted decades. Cary was a friend and mentor to so many as well. He had a way of finding the best in people and instilling in them a confidence that felt like a superpower.

While he loved his career, nothing meant more to him than his family. He was the proud father of four sons and the even prouder grandfather of ten grandchildren. His family was his greatest accomplishment, and he never missed an opportunity to brag about them.

Though he was a standout basketball player in his youth, his sons introduced him to the sport of wrestling, which he grew to love even more. Watching his sons compete was one of the great joys of his life. He followed every match with pride and enthusiasm. Even though his son's days on the mat were decades in the past, he would proudly tell anyone who would listen about their accomplishments. Whether they liked it or not, they were going to be shown pictures of them in their singlets as proof.

His pride in his 4 sons carried forward to the next generation. His ten grandchildren became a tremendous source of joy in his life as he watched them grow and pursue their own passions and successes. Whether it was wrestling, football, basketball, soccer, baseball, golf, dance or theatre, Cary loved following their activities and celebrating their accomplishments. Nothing made him happier than seeing them compete, perform and find success in the things they loved.

He is survived by his four sons Cary (Christy), Chad (Annie), Curtis (Sara), Cheston (Courtney); his ten grandchildren Lydia, Madison, Cary Dane Cox III, Charley, Elliot, Clara, Abram, Coen, Cailyn, and Blaire; and three siblings, Dora Lou Brooks, Deedie Legler, Terron Cox (Pat), and brother-in-law, Myron Ahlf, Sr. Many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by one sibling, Jeannie Ahlf.

A Celebration of Life to be held at CityView Celebrations at Trimble Pointe, 701 12th Street, Moline, IL 61265. Monday, March 30th, 4:00 pm-7:30 pm with a time of sharing from 6:45 pm-7:30 pm.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on his memory page at www.mvcremation.com.

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