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J.B. Cox,Longtime Mississippi Business Leader and Community Pillar,Dies at 91
Table of Contents
A life dedicated to faith,family,and service concluded on Tuesday,December 9,2025,with the passing of John “J.B.” Burnerd Cox at his residence in Columbus, Mississippi. He was 91 years old.
Born August 25, 1934, in Winona, MS, to the late John Pink Cox and Grace maude Boatman Cox, Mr. Cox’s journey encompassed military service, higher education, a distinguished career, and decades of devoted involvement in his community and church. A visitation will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. at Fairview Baptist Church in Columbus, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 P.M.,officiated by Bro. Tommy Gillon and Bro. Sammy Crawford. Lowndes Funeral Home of Columbus is handling arrangements.
Mr. Cox’s commitment to service began with his time as a Petty Officer in the united States Navy.Following his military duty,he leveraged the opportunities afforded by the G.I. Bill to pursue higher education,earning a degree in accounting from Mississippi State University (MSU). This foundation propelled him to a successful career, culminating in his role as Senior Vice President at Seminole Manufacturing.
His professional influence extended beyond Seminole Manufacturing, as he actively participated on the Board of the American Apparel Association and the Columbus Exchange Club. Mr. Cox’s dedication to youth development was notably notable through his involvement with the Pushmataha Boy Scout Troop, where he was honored with the prestigious Silver Beaver Award.
A Foundation of Faith and Family
Deeply rooted in his Baptist faith, Mr. Cox was a lifelong member of Fairview Baptist Church in Columbus, MS. He wasn’t merely a member, but a dedicated servant, contributing his time and talents as a deacon, on the bereavement committee, during Vacation Bible School, and as a valued member of the choir.
Mr. Cox’s life was marked by both joy and sorrow. He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia cox; his daughter, Cathy Hill; his infant son, Daniel Cox; his sister, Pauline Clark; and his brothers, L.C. Gibson, emery L. Gibson, and Cedell Gibson. He is survived by his son, Tim (Tricia) Cox; grandchildren virginia (Brantley) Abrams, Jacob (Jossie) Hill, and Miranda (Bill) Spinner; great-grandchildren Davis Abrams, Annie Abrams, Clay Abrams, Jenna Hill, caleb Hill, Vivian Spinner, Clark Spinner, and a soon-to-be-born great-granddaughter; and his brother, Tommy Cox.
Legacy of Service and Remembrance
Beyond his professional and religious contributions,Mr. Cox found joy in simple pleasures – fishing, passionately supporting his alma mater, MSU, and, above all, spending quality time with his family. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Mr. Cox’s caregivers: Hollie Stobaugh
