Thomas James "TJ" Cox

Thomas James “TJ” Cox, 41, passed away unexpectantly on September 5, 2023. Born and raised in Winston-Salem, NC he was the son of Debbie Cox and the late Jeff Cox. He is survived by his kids, Gage, Klowlie and Brody Cox, his sister Beth Cox (Vernon), nephew Jonathan Barton (his son Addison), nieces A’dasia and A’Leaha Brunson, and grandmother Nana (Ruth Corn) and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

TJ was an avid sports fan that started at an early age as he played baseball at South Little League until he aged out, basketball in leagues at the YMCA and football with the Winston-Salem Grayhounds as well as school sports. But his real love was racing – he attended his first race at Bowman Gray Stadium when he was 12 days old. As a youngster, if there was a NASCAR track within 3 hours, TJ, as well as the cousins who wanted to go, were loaded into the family van and off they went. He was always messing with motorized vehicles to see what made them go. Drag racing his Civic; riding his “crotch rocket” – he loved to go fast. He realized that he could make a living working on cars (among other things), so his life as a mechanic was begun. During this time, his 3 children were born and were the love of his life. But the dream of being a race car driver was still there so when the opportunity to purchase a stadium stock car to run at Bowman Gray Stadium presented itself, he jumped. MANY long hours of hard work and phone calls conferring with others, and the car was ready to hit the track. Each week, he worked tirelessly to make it better for the following week. He soon became the person in the stadium stock pit area that was known for always willing to offer a hand, literally. Many a Saturday he stayed at the track after practice to help someone instead of going home. He hung up his uniform in 2013, but never sold his car and trailer…he had hopes that someday it would be right to race again. But the family was still at the track each Saturday night during racing season…always there cheering on his buddies and their kids who started racing. Highlight of the night at the track was to go down to celebrate with a friend who had won. We will miss him being at the track in person but know that he will continue to look down upon the BGS competitors and spectators cheering on his favorites!

TJ worked at various automotive repair shops over his career but was sought out after hours to help keep the family and friend’s cars on the road…if he wasn’t doing something with his kids or the rest of the family. Family was important to TJ and he always enjoyed spending time with his grandparents, mom, dad (prior to his death), sister (and her family), his children and his aunts, uncles, cousins, numerous close friends and their children – lots of whom called him Uncle TJ. There is a big hole in our heart but we all have lots of memories being shared from his support system of the good days to try to fill some of it.

In lieu of flowers, should you choose, you can make a contribution to Debbie Cox to help with Brody’s expenses or to South Little League Capital Improvement Fund.

The visitation will be Wednesday, September 13 from 10:30 to 11:30 followed by the service at noon at Central Terrace UMC, 3 E Devonshire, Winston-Salem, NC 27127. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.