Dr. Gerald Dwight Cox, DDS, 78, of Waco, Texas, died at home on May 11, 2026. Born December 19, 1947, in Guthrie, Oklahoma, he graduated from University of Texas, Arlington and earned his D.D.S. from Baylor College of Dentistry (Dallas) in 1978.

He served 24 years in the U.S. Army, including a tour of service as an artillery officer in Vietnam, serving as a forward observer and aerial observer. Later he became a pediatric dentist in the service and was stationed in Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia, and on three tours in Germany before retiring with the rank of Colonel. His military awards included the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal. 

He then settled in Waco and spent 15 years in private practice as a board-certified pediatric dentist. An active member of Highland Baptist Church for 28 years, he volunteered with Shepherd’s Heart food pantry and participated in Bible Study Fellowship. He loved working with children—both patients and youth in the community—teaching Sunday School and Awana, leading Boy Scouts and church youth group activities, and coaching youth soccer. He also participated in several medical/dental mission trips. A sports-car enthusiast, he was known for always having a fun car in the driveway, especially his Corvettes.

His superpower was to make people feel seen and loved. His friendly and caring manner made him a master at connecting with people of all ages. And he was known by his family for his hearty, exuberant laugh.

He married Julia Ann Johnson, the love of his life, on September 20, 1968, in Dallas, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Cox (Linda). Survivors include his wife, Julia; children Dennis Cox (Elizabeth), Kristin Rankins (Robert), and Emily Johnson; fifteen grandchildren; and six great‑grandchildren.

Visitation: May 22, 5:00–7:00 p.m., Grace Gardens Funeral Home. Celebration of Life: May 23, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Highland Baptist Church, Waco in the Chapel. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shepherd’s Heart food pantry in Waco or Care Net Pregnancy Center of Central Texas.