Neal Calvin Cox

Neal Calvin Cox, 74 passed peacefully into the presence of Jesus November 6, 2024. He leaves behind Brenda (Anderson) Cox, his bride of 52 years; three children Regina, Bryan and Garrett Cox. He loved his six grandchildren, Calvin, Carter, Elliott, Koda, Nico, and Naomi. 

Neal was Born August, 5th 1950, in Tillamook, Oregon to Reverend George Cox and Dorris (Wiley). He was the oldest boy, one of six siblings. Neal joins his folks and youngest brother Bruce in heaven. He is survived by his sisters Catherine (Mark) and Susan, and brothers Keith (Carmelle) and Dean (Theresa) Cox. 

He attended and graduated from Western Baptist Bible College (Corban University). There he met his love and future wife, Brenda Anderson. 

In 1970, a year into college, he was selected to serve in Vietnam in the first round of the lottery draft. He attended basic training at Fort Lewis. He was promoted from Private E1 to Private E2. His next stop was Fort Sill Oklahoma for Advanced Training in Artillery where he trained on Howitzers. He was promoted to Private First Class. He was then stationed in Amberg, Germany and was assigned to Howitzer Battery 3rd Squadron of the Armed Cavalry Regiment. He was given the job of Special Weapons Clerk and was promoted to Specialist 4th Class. 

While in Germany Neal and Brenda wrote letters back and forth. After returning stateside, Neal asked Brenda to be his wife. They married on September 2nd 1972 in Salem, Oregon. 

Neal and Brenda moved to Ferndale, Washington where they served as youth ministers at First Baptist Church alongside Dick Beddoe. Regina Noel, their first born, was delivered to them December 16, 1975. 

Pregnant with their second, they moved to Alaska for a short stint working on road crews for Norm Robertson. They flew back to the lower 48, landing in Salem, Oregon. Bryan was born on the 10th of January 1978. 

Shortly after they moved to Bellingham, Washington. Neal partnered with brother Keith to run the Fountain Bakery. Garrett, their third born, was a surprise addition born June 22, 1982. 

Neal moved the family South, to Federal Way to become the director of Glendawn Baptist Bible Camp. The family's time at Camp Glendawn brought out what many would agree was “peak Neal”. Glendawn was a ministry where his many talents, penchant for challenges, and culinary prowess came together. He used those talents to bring young people and families together to grow in the knowledge of Jesus. There he raised his family, while loving and caring for youth, hosting conferences, speakers and guests.

After 7 years of running Glendawn, Neal and the family moved to Ferndale Washington. He continued his entrepreneurial efforts partnering in small business ventures helping manage Refreshers coffee bars with Ron Duncan. Later he transitioned to selling real estate and continued many side ventures along the way. 

Neal leaves behind a legacy of love. His quick and keen sense of humor will be missed (Yes, even by Brenda). Many have reached out to share how he came beside them at their darkest time. He was a father, brother, and friend to those who needed him the most. He invested in people around him in quiet and meaningful ways. Neal loved Jesus – he did his best to reflect that same love to those around him. 

Join with us to remember Neal and his legacy at Good News Fellowship, 1252 West Axton Road, Ferndale, WA 98248, March 22, 2025 at 1:00pm.