Pastor Donnie Lynn Cox, 77, of Shelbyville, passed away at his home on April 10, 2026. A faithful servant of the Lord for 57 years, he most recently served as pastor of Whittaker Church of God in Shelbyville and was known for his compassionate pastor’s heart and dedication to others. Born March 16, 1949, in McMinnville, Tennessee, he was the son of the late William Nathan Cox and Georgia Pearl Stewart Cox. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Leona Faye Cox, and his brothers Frank, Morris, Tommy, and Jimmy. He is survived by his sister, Martha Simmons; his children, John (Cynthia) Cox, William J. Cox, Donitta Dunlap, and Verronica (Jay) Pelky; his grandchildren, Joshua Cox (Autumn Loper), Landon Cox (Whitney), Jeffery Dunlap, and Emily Pelkey (Wyatt Booth); and his great-grandchildren, Kaylee and Kynlee Cox and Bernadine Galloway. He is also survived by his cherished dog, Haven; extended family members Jerry Pelkey and Michaela Galloway; and many dear friends, including his church families at Whittaker Church of God and Tullahoma Church of God of Prophecy. Pastor Cox was a Bishop in the Church of God and studied theology at Bible Training Institute, Lee College, and Tomlinson College. His ministry extended beyond the pulpit to jail, prison, hospital, and nursing home outreach in both Tennessee and Florida, as well as mission work internationally. He was instrumental in helping build churches in Florida and overseas. A talented musician and songwriter, he recorded two CDs and was affiliated with the Gospel Music Association, the International Singer and Songwriter Association, BMI, and the Dove Awards. He received recognition and awards for his songwriting and took great pride in sharing his musical gifts with others, including having his grandson play guitar on one of his recordings. In addition to his ministry, Pastor Cox worked as a professional upholsterer for 49 years, contributing his craftsmanship to projects involving NASA, military aircraft, boats, and custom and classic vehicles, many of which were featured in automotive publications. He enjoyed reading his Bible, playing golf with his son and grandson, tending his rose bushes, fishing with friends, and watching football—especially the Florida Gators and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He also cherished simple daily traditions, like sharing Twinkies with his dog Haven while watching the evening news, and enjoying western omelets with his friend Brother Randy. Pastor Cox never regretted a mile he traveled in service to the Lord. He will be deeply loved and greatly missed by all who knew him. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, in the chapel of Layne Funeral Home in Palmer, Tenn., with Ministers Ronnie Holloway, William Pritchett, and Dwight Henderson officiating. Burial followed at Palmer Cemetery. Visitation was held from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. prior to the service Saturday at the funeral home.

Layne Funeral Home