Ralph Cox Jr. (Bunk) was born on December 24, 1942, in Moore County. He was the son of Ralph Cox Sr. and Erleen Donathan, produce vendors and sharecroppers. As the family farmed multiple farms across North Carolina, Ralph attended a few different schools, including Greenwood School in Lemon Springs, NC, until the family moved to Moore County in 1956.
At the age of fourteen, Ralph began the 8th grade at Farm Life School, where he met thirteen-year-old Mollie Blue, a seventh grader. A few years later, once in high school, Ralph and Mollie began their courtship, frequenting local hangouts that included the Drive-In Theater, The Park and Eat and The Clam Box, where hotdogs were 10 for $1 or simply 10 cents each. Ralph was even known to siphon gasoline from the tractor so that he could pick Mollie up for their dates.
Ralph and Mollie’s love story began, and the couple married on March 4, 1961, in Dillon, SC, honeymooned in Pinebluff, NC, and settled into their first home in Whispering Pines, where they started their new family.
Ralph worked part-time for Johnny Grimm Heating and Air until the mid-1960s when he took a position with Fletcher Industries in Southern Pines, NC. He worked as a textile machine erector, assembling twisters, horizontal and vertical winders and narrow fabric and jacquard looms. Ralph became part of the sales and training team for Fletcher and traveled often to other plants across the nation and overseas, handling initial machine set-ups and installations, troubleshooting faulty equipment and production challenges. In summer months, Ralph farmed produce and was a contractor to The Pantry company, selling cantaloupes and watermelons to them for 50 cents each.
In 1975, on Hwy. 15-501, south of Carthage, Ralph and Mollie opened Cox’s Citgo, one of the only full-service gas stations in Moore County. Soon after, Ralph began selling vehicles, specializing in pick-up trucks, and loyal customers would even stop in just to buy a cold Coca-Cola or Tab in the glass bottles. In 2010, a second business was started and rightly named Ralph’s Used Trucks.
Ralph Cox spent many years working hard for his family and made countless memories that each of them holds dear. In the early days, especially, he loved traveling with his family, camping with The Sandhill Ramblers and became the official boat driver on lake days. He loved music; Kenny Rogers and Elvis were a couple of his favorite artists, and Simple Man, recorded by Lynard Skynyrd, was his favorite song. Of the many cars collected, Ralph’s favorite was a black 1958 Ford Fairlane 352 Interceptor with a red interior, and his favorite pastime was to get on his John Deere and mow the yard.
Ralph served as a deacon and was a dedicated member of Eureka Presbyterian Church for 65 years, where he and Mollie raised three children in their faith.
On Saturday, May 2, 2026, at home and surrounded by his love ones, Ralph went to be with Lord Jesus. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 11 a.m. in the Eureka Community Church sanctuary, with a graveside service following in the church cemetery. Eureka Community Church 2155 Farm Life School Road, Carthage, NC.
Ralph is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mollie Blue Cox, son, Alan Blue (Sheri) Cox of Whispering Pines, NC, daughter, Wendy Cox Dinkins (Brian Allen) of West End, NC, and son Bradley Ralph Cox (Christy Moore) of Carthage, NC. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Anna, Haleigh, Eric, Dylan, Joseph, Joshua, Cullen, Gates, Rowan, step-grandson, Jacob, and five great-grandchildren.
In addition to his immediate family, Ralph is survived by his cherished three sisters, Joann Hedrick (Donald) of Lexington, NC, Ruby Cox of Whispering Pines, NC, Carol Wilson (Larry) of Cameron, NC, a very special brother-in-law, Bruce (Gail) Blue of Carthage, NC, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
In honor of Ralph, his family and friends are wearing red today, his favorite color, and following the service, the family will be receiving visitors at the family home, 2648 Farm Life School, Carthage, NC.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Eureka Church Cemetery Fund, 2155 Farm Life School Road, Carthage, NC 28327, or to FirstHealth Hospice Foundation, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374.
Services are entrusted to Fry & Prickett Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be made at PinesFunerals.com.
