Benny Forrest Cox, age 93 of El Dorado, went to meet his Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Born July 12, 1932, in Norphlet, Arkansas, Benny was the son of Elijah Forrest Cox and Martha Cooper Cox. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 71 years, Jo Ellen McGough-Cox, two brothers and two sisters.
Benny is survived by his twin sisters Jacque Faulkner and Jerra Matticks (Ken), his daughters Benita Burton (Steve) and Becki Schultz, grandsons Clark Burton (Alison), Ross Burton (Kaci), Trey Schultz (Gisela), and Forrest Schultz (Holly), and great-grandchildren Tripp Burton, Chance Burton, Chet Burton, Ryder Schultz, and Caroline Schultz, who finally broke the chain of "Ben's Ben's Boys" and brought sugar and spice and everything nice to the family.
A 1950 graduate of Smackover High School, Benny went on to earn a degree in accounting from Louisiana Tech University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Arkansas. He built a long and respected career as a certified public accountant and accredited business evaluator. He founded the accounting firm of Cox, Gober & Co., which merged with the firm of Evers and Associates to become Evers, Cox, & Gober. Benny practiced accounting for a remarkable 61 years. He loved his work and was devoted to his clients, many of whom became lifelong friends.
Benny was a proud member of the El Dorado Civitan Club. He held fond memories of selling Civitan fruitcake, working late night Civitan auctions, and wiring the cable for the lighted bulbs on the original drive-through Christmas tree. He served as a Civitan member for many decades and was awarded with the Civitan International Honor Key, the highest award the organization holds to recognize members for outstanding voluntary service and significant contributions to the organization.
A man of steady faith, Benny was a longtime member of Immanuel Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School, served as a department director, and worked faithfully on various church committees.
Those fortunate enough to call Benny a friend knew that he was a loyal friend through and through. He held close friendships with those from all generations, and the family wishes to thank the friends who surrounded him with love and support throughout his final days.
Above all, Benny was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved his family fiercely. Although the family grieves, they rest in the assurance that Benny is now home and in the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 25, 2025 at Immanuel Baptist Church with Rev. Tommy Kimball and Rev. Clark Whitney officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at Smackover Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.
Serving as pallbearers will be Clark Burton, Ross Burton, Tripp Burton, Chance Burton, Trey Schultz, and Forrest Schultz.
Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Ryder Schultz, Chet Burton, and Caroline Schultz.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Magdalene House-El Dorado or Immanuel Baptist Church Operation Christmas Child Fund.
Condolences can be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com
