Gerald Allen Cox, 81, of Anderson, SC, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026, at his residence.

He was born in Laurens County, SC, Gerald was a son of the late Alfred Broadus Cox and the late Willie Mae Walls Cox.

Gerald was a retired Battalion Chief for the City of Anderson Fire Department and was a member of Whitefield Baptist Church. He has battled Lewy Body Dementia for many years. Now he is pain free as Gerald has gone to be with the Lord.

Gerald is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Joyce L. Cox; children, Richard Allen Cox (Lola) and Angela Erlene Hipp (Ted); stepsiblings, Margaret Craft, Elmer Powell, Roscoe Powell (Tonda), and Eugene Powell (Deborah); sisters-in-law, Pat Cox, Diane Powell, Kathy O'Connor (late Tom), and Marcia Pearson (Joel); brother-in-law, Francis Lombardi (Cheryl); grandchildren, Justin A. Cox (Bree), Amanda Leeann Shaw (Erik), Britney Cox Wilson, Hunter Garrett Simpson (Sierra); and twelve great-grandchildren.

He is predeceased by his parents, stepmother, Bertha Lee Powell Cox and siblings, Sara Timms, Winford Cox (Betty), Larry Cox, Lindell Cox (Joyce), sister-in-law, Shirley Powell, and stepbrother Robert Powell.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm at The McDougald Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 2:15 pm with the Reverend Rob White officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park with Military Honors.

Flowers are optional or memorials may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killen Hill Rd. SW, Lilburn, GA 30047 or to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Rd., Anderson, SC 29621.

The family would like to thank his caregivers Sandra and Barbara who cared for him in the beginning of his journey and Beth, Ruth, and Mary, who followed to the end. Beth is more than a caregiver, she is a neighbor, friend and has become a part of the Cox family. Many thanks to you all.

Condolences may be left for the family by visiting WWW.MCDOUGALDFUNERALHOME.COM