John Hayes Cox

John Hayes Cox, 76, a resident of Spanish Fort passed away on Sunday, September 19, 2021.

John was born during the Battle of the Bulge on December 19, 1944 and was lovingly known as “Skeeter” to his friends and classmates. He attended the University of Alabama where he earned 3 degrees. An avid Alabama football fan, he was proud to have attended UA during Paul Bear Bryant’s time there. His early career was as a US History teacher/Coach. History was his passion and many remember in-depth conversations with him about “the War Between the States” and the real reason it was fought. He loved any sport with a ball (except soccer) and was adamant that you had to have fire in the belly to excel in anything.  He played baseball in the Roy Hobb’s league into his 60s, then retired to tennis where he placed in several tournaments, and eventually golf.  John became a private pilot in 1987, joined the Mobile Aero Club, and would fly himself to games in Tuscaloosa whenever he could. He was also a member of the British Car Club and his 1977 “Bama B” MGB was a favorite toy. John was one of the few people who could tell you who his heroes were and why. He loved music and anyone who knew him knows that Buddy Holly was the greatest singer/songwriter of all time. John believed in constantly improving and was loved and respected in any community where he was established. A traditional Southern gentleman, he will be missed by all who knew him. We love you and Roll Tide! Roll!

He was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Joseph Cox; nephew, Mark Hulsey and niece, Fran Hulsey.  

John is survived by his wife, Kay Cox; children, John Robert Carter (Joy), Donna Marie Coleman (Casey) affectionately known as “Doodles”, Joseph Hayes Cox, Laura-Lea Margaret Gordon (Gary) also called “Miss Priss”, Joseph Adam Fuller (Krissy), Raymond Allen Foster, and Robert Andrew Foster; grandchildren, Claire Marie and Jackson Coleman, Felicity, Jesslyn and Anneliece Gordon, and Kayleigh Foster; sister, Vanice Young; and loyal beagle, Dixie.

The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00pm on October 3, 2021 at the Fairhope Chapel of Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Homes. A celebration of John’s life will follow starting at 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Exceptional Foundation of the Gulf Coast at

https://www.exceptionalfoundationgc.org .