Donald Ray Cox

Donald Ray Cox, son of the late O. T. Cox and Rennie Masters Cox, was born on Thursday, November 9, 1948 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri and departed this life on Friday, February 19, 2021 at his residence in Poplar Bluff at the age of 72 years, 3 months and 10 days. On October 29, 2017 in Poplar Bluff, he was united in marriage to LaVonda (Sam) Benton. He graduated from Stockton High School. He was a former pastor of the Bible Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff, but also worked in construction, was a mechanic and truck driver. His hobbies included playing the piano and guitar and singing gospel music. Survivors include his wife, LaVonda (Sam) Cox of the home in Poplar Bluff; sons, Donnie Ray Cox, Jr. of Poplar Bluff and Nathan Cox of Knoxville, Tennessee; daughter, Tara Burton of Mesa, Arizona; other children, Christopher McGregor of Oregon, David Blaska of Alaska and Sammy Ray Nasholm of Oregon; 5 grandchildren, Alyssa Hon of Malvern, AR, Kayla Taylor of Tempe, AZ, Kayleigh Burton, Ashley Burton, Kelsey Burton and Crispon Burton, all of Mesa, AZ; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Kevin Cox and sisters, Peggy Benton, Ruth Moore, and Telsey Luxton Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Powell Funeral & Cremation Services, Kennett is in charge of arrangements.