Obituaries

Richard Douglas Cox

Photo of Richard Douglas Cox
Richard Douglas Cox, 43, of Springdale entered the loving embrace of his Heavenly Father, on Saturday, January 16, 2016, at his home. He was born June 24, 1972, in Springdale to Richard and Lynn (Poole) Cox Sr. He was a 1990 graduate of Springdale High School. Richard faithfully served as the Cross Church Associate Minister of Missions to Northwest Arkansas for six years after he surrendered his past and gave Jesus control of his heart. He was instrumental in leading ministries through Cross Church Missions for IMPACT, FAITH RIDERS, and RADICAL. He was loved and known by many throughout Northwest Arkansas through these ministries. Richard was relentless in sharing his personal testimony of redemption and grace, spending many hours making sure everyone he loved knew that Jesus Christ offered them a free gift of salvation simply by placing their trust in Him and Him alone. Through IMPACT, he directed a team of faithful volunteers who took the gospel outside the church walls to apartment complexes, low rent neighborhoods, and people who had fallen on hard times. Through FAITH RIDERS he was able to share at Bikes, Blues, and BBQ with hundreds what Jesus had done in his life. Through RADICAL he was involved in community outreach through block parties. Richard is survived by his devoted wife of eight years, Becky (Lore) Cox, who served beside him in ministry and throughout his eleven-month cancer journey, his loving daughters, Lacey Bettis of Bentonville and Kinsey Driver of the home, and his granddaughter, Annabell Grace Bettis, who adored her PaPa. He is also survived by his parents, Richard and Lynn Cox Sr. of Lowell, and one brother, Gary Byars and wife Heather of Springdale. He was preceded in death by a brother, Eddie Byars. Following the diagnosis of stage four cancer, Richard and Becky asked people of all ages to send hand written scripture verses, which were then posted on every wall of their home. Verses were sent by children in IMPACT clubs, Shiloh Christian School students and staff, Bible study groups of all ages, and a multitude of family and friends. The day prior to Richard's cancer diagnosis, God gave Richard this verse: "You (Richard) did not choose me, but I (God) chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: "LOVE EACH OTHER." John 15:16-17. Richard would ask, "Who will continue to water the fruit?" Visitation will be from 3-5 p.m. Saturday, January 23 in the Chapel at Cross Church Springdale, 1709 Johnson Road. A memorial celebration honoring Richard's life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, January 24 at Cross Church Springdale in the Worship Center. Memorial contributions may be made to Cross Church Missions or Richard Cox Memorial Fund at Simmons Bank. Arrangements are with Heritage Funeral Home, online guest book at www.heritageofnwa.com.

Published January 20, 2016

Upcoming Events