Frederick ‘Butch’ Cox

Frederick “Butch” Cox, age 71, a resident of Riceville, Tenn., passed away Thursday, Jan. 24, at his home.

Butch was born Nov. 25, 1941, in Oliver Springs. He has lived in Riceville since 1967.

Butch was employed at Bowater in Calhoun, Tenn., for 35 years before his retirement in 2002.

Mr. Cox was a great story teller who possessed a wealth of knowledge of the early Oliver Springs families.

He enjoyed raising cattle, gardening, hunting, camping, and outdoor activities.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Odessa Mae Jordan Cox; by his stepmother, Hazel Cox; by sisters, Rhoda Lee and Brenda Hayes; and by brothers, Pat Cox, Grady Cox, Charles “Sarge” Cox, and Franklin “Tooter” Cox.

He is survived by his former wife and mother of his children, Patricia “Trish” Lively Cox of Oliver Springs; by a daughter, Tina Mitchell and husband Shawn of Lenoir City; by sons, Kenneth James “Kenny” Cox and wife Carolyn of Riceville, and Darryl Cox of Riceville; by grandchildren, Tyler Cox, Mindy Cox, Jon Morgan, Brittany Smiley and husband Daniel, Brianna Bingham, Briley Bingham, Macy McGuire, Colby Glass and wife Jodi, Grant Mitchell, Grace Mitchell and Garrett Mitchell; and great-grandchildren, Easton Smiley, and Caleb and Landon Morgan; and by step-sisters, Faye Rainey and husband Virgil, and Janice Sue Rittenberry and husband Dale.

He is also survived by three brothers, Lowell “Mickey” Cox of Harriman, George H. Cox and wife Wanda of Jamestown, and Rick Cox and wife Gayla of Harriman; and by several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and special friends.

The family will receive friends Sunday, Jan. 27, between 12 and 2 p.m. at Sharp Funeral Home. The funeral will follow at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rick Cox officiating. Burial will follow at the Indian Creek Cemetery.

Sharp Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.