COX, Elbert Lee (Bob)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Saturday, April 07, 2012 Elbert Lee "Bob" Cox was born in Sweetwater, Texas, on Dec. 10, 1923, to Christopher and Alleana (Scott) Cox. Bob left this world on March 29, 2012, to be with his loved ones who have preceded him in death, including two wives, Dora (Chapman) Cox and Ella (Clayton) Cox, and his grandson Todd Dennis. Bob lived in Sweetwater until 1938 when he came to Arizona and started his music career. Bob has entertained country music audiences for more than 70 years in nightclubs, ballrooms and dude ranches and even performed on the "Lew King Rangers" TV show. Bob was part of the early Arizona music scene playing alongside of musicians like Jimmy Wakely and Marty Robbins. Bob had several top 10 hits in Phoenix including "If You'll Be Mine Again" and "Don't Hold Her So Close," which was number one on the charts in Alaska. He was produced by L.A.-based Fabor Robison in the early 1960s. Bob declined his musical contract as it would have taken him away from his wife and five children. Bob has musically "mentored" musicians including Marty Robbins, Richie Allbright, Rod Hart and Craig Delphia. People excelled under him as he taught them and let their talent grow. It has been said of Bob that many of the current inductees of the Arizona Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame came to hear him sing because his voice was pure and inspiring. Bob has been nominated and is on the future inductee list into AMHOF. Bob also was known as the man with "The Golden Screwdriver." He was known for his abilities in building Ford motors even though he was legally blind. Bob is survived by his son Bill Cox of Tucson; daughter Sheila Dennis (Steve) of Prescott; daughter Loydia Adkins (Nelson) of Chino Valley; son Arnold Cox (Tammy) of Chino Valley; daughter Tina Cox-Prenovost of Prescott; and son Tom Summers of Peoria. Survivors also include 18 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. A tribute in celebration of the life of Bob Cox will be at noon, Sunday, April 15, 2012, in the Freeman Building at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds, 840 Rodeo Drive, Prescott. To sign the guestbook and share memories, visit www.heritagefuneralchapels.com. Information provided by survivors.