Barry Neal Cox, age 68, of Mount Vernon, Texas, passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, in Tyler, Texas, surrounded by his loving family.
Neal was born on May 7, 1957, to Robert Edward Cox and Roberta “Bobbie” Sulsar Cox in Mount Vernon, Texas. He went by many names; Neal, Bubba, then Bubby, Dad, his favorite–Pops…whatever he was called, he answered and was always quick to lend a helping hand; truly selfless in every sense.
A 3rd generation graduate of Mount Vernon High, Neal was an active and skilled outdoorsman: he taught more than his share of kids how to hunt, fish, and camp. He could repair anything, but small gas-powered engines and old Jeeps were his favorites. He perfected outdoor cooking, long before it was trendy. Ask anyone – his fish frys were legendary. During his hard earned and much deserved retirement, Neal loved tending to his chickens, keeping an ever-watchful eye on the weather, and gathering with his friends and family. He was such an eager gardener, that Neal’s garden plots can be seen from space. His grandchildren were his true joy. His eyes lit up attending their various events and traveling to the beach with them always brought him happiness and a sense of child-like-adventure.
Neal married the love of his life and his best friend, Diana Leigh Gilbert on November 15, 1985.
He is preceded in death by his father, Robert E. Cox; his mother, Bobbie Eakin; stepfather, Bob Eakin; and brothers, John Cox, Marvin Eakin.
Neal is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Dino; his only child, Amy Lynn Briscoe, and husband Jeff; grandchildren, Blakeley Sky Briscoe, Brooks Reed Briscoe, Jack Neal Skelton, Mitchell Nelson Nuziard, and Poppy LaRue Briscoe; siblings, Carol Jordan, Dan (Denise) Eakin, Bobbie (Greg) Dove, and Gary (Victoria) Cox; a host of adored nieces & nephews, extended family and many dear friends.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. A visitation will be one hour prior at 2:00 p.m. at Sam B. Harvey Funeral Home with Pastor Jeff Lust officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Dan Eakin, Gary Cox, Greg Dove, Justin Dove, Jason Dove, Jeff Briscoe, Brooks Briscoe, Mitchell Nuziard, Jack Skelton, Mike Wynn, Ray Hoffman, Buck Carr and Jason Rader.
Services entrusted to Sam B. Harvey Funeral Home and online condolences may be made at www.samharveyfuneralhome.com
