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Gary Bryant Cox, known as “Pappy” to his seven grandchildren, was called to be home with the Lord on Wednesday, November 6, 2019. Gary was born on February 15, 1952, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to Gid and Kathryn Cox. He graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. After graduating he met his bride, Marla Kay Orr, and they shared 41 years of marriage. One of their greatest joys was their two children, Katy Lynn Nichols of Boerne, and Colby Bryant Cox of Flower Mound, and their seven grandchildren: Tyler, Mason and Abby Kay Nichols, and Cade, Tatum, Sadie and Hattie Cox. Gary was thrilled to add to the family Travis Nichols and Emily (Rogers) Cox by marriage.
Gary knew from an early age that he had a passion for teaching physical education. He started his career in Tulsa Public Schools where he taught for 20 years. In 1997 he moved the family to Texas, where he was hired at B.B. Owen Elementary in The Colony, where he remained until his retirement this past spring. In the 43 years Gary taught, he received many awards, including the 1990 OAHPERD Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year, and the 1998-1999 LISD Teacher of the Year Finalist. Gary started many clubs at B.B. Owen, including the Owen Sprinters, Boogie Cats, and Bobcat Ropers, in order to instill the love of physical fitness to his students.
Anyone who knew Gary knew how important his faith was to him. He became a follower of Jesus Christ in 1987 through Brother James Robinson. His faith shaped and guided how he lived his life to serve others. He was a member of Lakeway Baptist Church and volunteered with many local ministries. Gary is survived by his brother Chuck, wife Dana, and nephew, Tommy, of Tulsa; his younger brother, Mike, of Tulsa; his Uncle Jim and wife Pam Ritchey of Tulsa; his in-laws, Clarence and Marlene Orr, of Crowell; his sister-in-law, Debbie, and her husband, Mike, of Crowell; his nephew, Scott and wife Stephanie, of Crowell; and niece, Kera, of Maurice.
There will be a celebration of life at Theatre at The Colony High School, 4301 Blair Oaks Drive, The Colony, Texas 75056, at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 10, 2019. Flowers may be sent to Rolling Oaks Funeral Home in Coppell, or a donation can he given in his honor to Metro Relief, PO Box 560962, The Colony, TX 75056, or online at www.metrorelief.org.
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