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Ken Cox, age 87, died Sunday, December 3, 2024 at his home.

Johnny Witherington, Troy businessman, said men like Ken Cox come along so rarely that they can almost never be replaced.

Cox was the kind of person who took a genuine interest in others, Witherington said. “He was helper and encourager.

“I was in college at Troy State and I was working at an auto shop, changing tires and such,” Witherington said. “Ken was the owner of Ken Cox Insurance Agency and he and Peggy took an interest in me. He was an outstanding mentor.”

Witherington was not sure that he wanted to stay in the auto shop business, so he asked Cox for his advice. Witherington took Cox at his word and his word set Witherington on the path of the insurance business that he follows today.

Joe Faulk, Troy attorney, said Cox was a leader in many ways and made a positive difference to Troy and Pike County.

“Ken was an astute business man,” Faulk said. “Ken was successful in the insurance business, owned Ken Cox Ford, Troy Nissan, Cox Container and was a founder of Coffee County Bank. In all that Ken did, he was committed to doing the best thing and the right thing.”

Ken Cox was always ready to help those in need, Faulk said. “Ken was supportive of his church and he loved his family and was loyal to his friends and dedicated to his community. He will be missed by many for a long time.” 

Mike Kilcrease, the former general manager for Ken Cox Ford, said Cox had been both a friend and mentor to him.

 

“I worked for Ken for 19 and a half years,” Kilcrease said. “I was very saddened by what he had been through for the last several years. We had a tremendous relationship over the years and he was a friend and a father figure to me. Ken was a true friend and he will be greatly missed.”

Troy Mayor Jason Reeves said, “Mr. Cox was a tremendous asset to our community through his business acumen and civic engagement. He leaves a legacy through his family and the organizations he touched. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as we mourn his loss and appreciate a life well lived that left a positive impact.” 

Sherrill Crowe and Ken Cox were friends for 44 years. They ate two meals together each week year after year.

“And you don’t spend that much time with someone and not know their character,” Crowe said. “I can say that Ken Cox loved his family dearly and was dedicate to his family and also to his friends.

“Ken was honest and dependable but there was a shyness about him that, I think, kept some people from knowing what a truly outstanding man he was. But, everyone who knew Ken Cox had a loyal friend. I join Ken’s family and friends in this time of sadness and loss.”