Traverse City, Michigan - Ernest Raymond Cox Sr., 90, of Traverse City, died Thursday, July 16, 2026 at the Munson Hospice House. He was born on August 25, 1935, in Traverse City the son of Earl and Esther M. (Cooper) Cox.

Ernie left high school at the age of 17 and joined the United States Army in 1952. He served with the 45th Infantry Division in Korea. He was a field wireman in Battery A of the 158th Field Artillery Battalion. He participated in heavy combat including the battles for "T-Bone Hill." After his 4 years of Army Service, he returned to Traverse City.

Ernie took a position with Nish-Nah-Bee where he retired as a supervisor. In the beginning the owner had three Native American women and Ernie working. This business grew significantly over the years with the hard work of these employees. He later became a Tow-Truck Driver for Brickyard towing. Ernie also retired from Pinkerton Security working at Munson Medical Center protecting the Tunnell between Munson and the Grand Traverse Medical Care Facility.

He married Dawn DeLite Bauman on April 19, 1968. He loved taking care of her.

He loved being a driver for Meals on Wheels. Ernie was a big NASCAR fan. He personally raced cars on the dirt tracks all around Michigan, locally in Elmira, and the M-113 Cherry Speedway in Kingsley and Hilltop Raceway. When he wasn't able to race cars anymore, he became the Flagman at M-113 Cherry Speedway. He also enjoyed working on cars, watching football.

Ernie is survived by his wife, Dawn; children, Ernest "Ernie" Cox Jr., Lisa Keyes, Steven (Rainey) Stafford, Stacy Stafford and Scott Stafford and several grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Esther Cox, sister, Bernice Perkins and his 4-year-old brother, Eddie.

The family would like to thank the staff for the great compassion, kindness and care they gave Ernie and his family at the Munson Hospice House.

Contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels or the Munson Hospice House.

A small private family gathering is being planned.

Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to share your thoughts and more.