Bobby Joe Cox, age 86, passed away on August 29, 2026, at his residence in the Springfield Masonic Communities in Springfield, Ohio. After moving to Dayton with his family at a young age from Crossville, Tennessee, Bobby graduated from Stivers High School in 1958. An accomplished athlete who played football, ran track and wrestled, Bobby is a member of the Stivers High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Bobby's life of service began shortly after high school when he joined the Dayton Police Department, attaining the rank of Sergeant during his 12 1/2 year career. While working as a police officer, Bobby attended the University of Dayton, earning degrees in Criminal Justice and Police Administration. He then attended Salmon P. Chase College of Law at night and earned his Juris Doctorate in 1973. At that time Bobby left the police department and embarked on a legal career that lasted more than 40 years, primarily practicing criminal defense. Highly respected by fellow lawyers and judges alike, Bobby's legacy of skill, integrity and compassion is demonstrated by his willingness to represent defendants who could not afford an attorney and the countless hours he donated mentoring young lawyers. For all his professional accomplishments, Bobby was most proud of his family. During his senior year at Stivers High School, Bobby married the love of his life, Shirley (Coover) Cox. Bobby and Shirley were married 68 years and it is fair to say you rarely saw either of them without the other. Shirley served as Bobby's secretary and office manager for most of his legal career. Bobby and Shirley were blessed with two children: Teresa A. (Robert) Lonsbury and William C. (Mary) Cox; four grandchildren: Kyle Lonsbury, Jared Lonsbury, William J. Cox and Sara Cox; and two great grandchildren: Leonidas and Miriam Flemings.

Bobby was preceded in death by his daughter Teresa A. Lonsbury and his brother Gary Cox. The family will receive friends for a Celebration of Life on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, from 5-7 PM at the Westbrock Funeral Home, 5980 Bigger Road, Kettering, Ohio 45440.