December 13, 2025, 81, Goldsboro — Charles Eugene Cox, 81, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at UNC Wayne Healthcare in Goldsboro, surrounded by the love of his family. Eugene was born in Wayne County on January 8, 1944, to the late Charlie A. Cox and Rachel McCullen Cox.
Eugene was a proud graduate of North Carolina State University, where he earned a degree in Agriculture. Following his graduation, he began his career as a Conservation Agent in Mocksville with Davie County. He later returned home to Grantham, where he farmed and spent 13 years working with DuPont. As his sons grew older, Eugene chose a position with Essilor in Goldsboro, allowing him to remain close to home and actively support his boys in all their activities.
A faithful servant of the Lord, Eugene was a longtime member of Falling Creek Baptist Church. He served in many roles throughout the years, including Deacon and Sunday School Director. Always willing to lend a helping hand, Eugene joyfully participated in church activities and faithfully honored God through service.
Eugene had a lifelong love for NASCAR, antique cars, tractors, and collecting vintage signs and gas pumps. Sharing this passion, Eugene and his wife, Faye, were members of the Mount Olive Car Club, where they enjoyed fellowship and time spent with friends.
Above all else, Eugene was a devoted family man. He will be lovingly remembered as a devoted husband, a proud and caring daddy, and an especially doting pops. While he was always proud of his sons, his grandchildren brought him immeasurable joy. Eugene rarely missed an opportunity to attend their events and cheer them on, taking great pride in all they did.
A graveside service will be held Friday, December 19, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Falling Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, with Pastor Robert Ellis officiating. The family will greet friends following the service at the cemetery. Eugene will lie in state at Seymour Funeral Home on Thursday, December 18, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Eugene is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Faye Best Cox; sons, Randy Cox and wife Sherri, and Russ Cox; grandchildren, Charley Cox and fiancée Daniel Wellons, Hinton Cox and fiancée Emilie Moss, and Payton Cox; brother, James Ray Cox and wife Karen; sister, Brenda Gurley and husband Wayne; and nieces and nephews, Ashton Cox and wife Brittany and their son Eli, Jonathan Gurley and wife Kristen and their children Troy and Gunner, and Crystal Massengill and husband Jamie.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Eugene’s memory to Falling Creek Baptist Church, 498 Falling Creek Church Road, Goldsboro, NC 27530.
