Early Sunday morning, December 17, 2017, in the presence of family members who were singing When We All Get To Heaven, husband, dad, Grandpa Cox peacefully entered into the presence of his Savior and Lord. We believe that after a night of being comforted by the singing and talking about heaven, he said to himself, “Enough to this old world and this shackled body. I want to see Jesus.” At the age of 86, Rev. Chuck Cox is now singing with the heavenly host!

Charles Amos Cox, Sr. was born on February 3, 1931, to Rev. Wilbur John Cox and Jesse Jemima Seifert Cox, in Jasonville, Indiana. While his dad was pastoring in Hammond, Indiana, he met the beautiful and talented Ruth Alene Brown. They married on August 2, 1950, experiencing life together as husband and wife for more than 67 years. What experiences they enjoyed, building a loving home and raising a family, in Cedar Lake, Indiana. Chuck worked as a switchman for the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad for 30 years, and, in that time, he and Ruth had four children: Charles Jr., John, Nila and Gail.

Chuck‘s skills were numerous. He took the little cottage home that he and Ruth purchased shortly after their marriage, and through additions and modifications, turned it into what some called a small lodge. He could repair just about any small engine. He was a fixer… cars, lawn mowers, appliances, sweepers and anything mechanical. He even developed a small repair business to earn some vacation and spending money for the family. They enjoyed many times together camping, fishing, and exploring God’s creation. All these times included singing … in the car, around campfires, and any occasion that lent itself to making melody.
As the kids grew, Chuck involved himself in their interests: school, music and sports. He coached youth baseball and softball. Fishing was a love, and living near the lake was fortuitous for the family. Many mornings were spent striving to pull in the “big ones”. He and the boys were noted for their abilities to do just that.

Investing in the kids’ lives was a priority. As they reached high school age, he adjusted his work schedule so that he could attend as many concerts and athletic events as possible. He rarely missed an event and was a tremendous encourager.

After the boys married, Chuck and Ruth began singing with their daughters in ministry. As word spread of their effectiveness and masterful harmonies, demand for their ministry grew, causing them to form the Singing Cox Family. Soon, they were in full-time music ministry, crisscrossing the U.S. for engagements.
In a few years, a new phase of ministry began. The girls married and started families of their own. Chuck and Ruth were called to pastoral ministry. Chuck received credentials through the General Council of the Assemblies of God. Their first church was in Columbus, Montana. After three years there, they were called to First Assembly of God in Winner, South Dakota. During an eight year pastorate, the church grew and added a new sanctuary; much of the work Chuck and Ruth did themselves.

Saying goodbye to the cold winters of the north and hearing the beaches of Florida beckoning, this wonderful team accepted the pastorate at Eastside Assembly of God, in Pensacola, Florida. In a few years, they felt God transitioning them to take the pastorate in Port Washington, Florida, their last fulltime position. Later, at Victory Assembly of God, in Ferry Pass, Florida, Rev. Cox served as interim pastor. Since then Chuck and Ruth have supported churches and their pastors, in the Pensacola and Springfield, Missouri areas, taking lay-leadership roles, singing duets, and being part of the worship teams, until the day of his beautiful home-going.

Chuck comes from a large family of nine children. Preceding him in death are brothers, Bill and Jess, and sisters, Connie and Naomi; living are sisters, Edna, Faith and Betty, and brother, Dick. Chuck and Ruth’s children are Charles “Chuck” and his wife, Jo, of Springfield, Missouri; John and his wife, Marty, of Cheyenne, Wyoming; Nila Chambers and her husband, Rick, of Milton, Florida; and Gail Brown and her husband, Brad, of Hebron, Indiana. These children produced 12 grandchildren and they have produced 23 great-grandchildren. Many are actively singing in their respective churches, across the nation.
What a legacy and heritage Rev. Charles A Cox Sr. leaves and together, he and Ruth have influenced so many lives for the Kingdom of God.

The family would like to thank all the congregations where Chuck ministered and gave of his talents -- especially these recent ones: Covenant Church of God in Pace, Florida, Pastor David Gibson; Battlefield Assembly of God, Battlefield, Missouri, Pastor Richard Orrell; and Eastside Assembly of God, Pensacola, Florida, Pastor Ken Johnson. Your expressions and acts of love for Chuck and Ruth are beyond measure!
Thanks also to the congregation of Covenant Church for hosting the celebration service and your gift of hospitality to the family. We are blessed.

Memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at Covenant Church of God, 4645 School Lane, Pace, FL 32571.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Assemblies of God Missionaries, Brandon and Shayla Cox, serving with OASIS, a restorative shelter for 12-18 year old survivors of sex trafficking. Giving may be done online at www.giving.ag.org to account #2960177, or you can mail a check to Brandon Cox, 3962 El Salvador Ave, Springfield, MO 65807 with account #2960177 in the memo field.

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