Jerry Ray Cox, 87, of Granite City, Illinois, born the only child to Earl Franklin Cox and Ethel Daretta Hayes Cox on August 14, 1937, passed away Wednesday, February 5th, 2025.

Jerry was drafted to Fort Ord California and attended boot camp from September 25th, 1959, to March 25th, 1960, he then completed his service in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Jerry married the love of his life, Mary Louise "Suzie" Phelps on March 29th, 1969, they were blessed with 55 years of love, life and marriage together.

Jerry had a passion for cars and started his career as an apprentice mechanic at Hundley Pontiac. He then moved on to become the owner of Triangle Automotive Repair and Sales on Niedringhaus in downtown Granite City, until his retirement. Jerry could always tell you what was wrong with your car, simply by listening to it, and he was never wrong. He also loved to watch the Barret Jackson Auto Auctions, telling everyone how much the cars were going for or what neat vehicle he got to see on that episode.

Jerry really loved anything with an engine and found a hobby in his retirement in flying and building remote control airplanes. He also had a love for black cats, his favorite being his sweet pal, Sylvester. In his youth Jerry loved to fish, travel and ride motorcycles.

Jerry is preceded in death by both his parents, Earl Franklin Cox and Ethel Daretta Hayes Cox, and his beloved wife Mary "Suzie".

Those left to cherish Jerry's memory are his wife's niece Patti Sparks, his wife's cousin Staretta Johnson, and many other family, friends and neighbors.

We find peace in knowing he is finally reunited with his dear wife and best friend.