About Us
Celebrating life since 1927
As a proud member of the Bainbridge community since 1927, we're honored to help families celebrate their loved ones. We pledge to ensure that every funeral and memorial service is deeply personal, fostering healing and remembrance.
Our promise
Today, tomorrow, and forever, our commitment to you stays the same.
Dignity
Every life is unique, and we promise to honor and respect each journey, crafting ceremonies that reflect each individual.
Guidance
Navigating grief can be overwhelming; we stand by you, providing direction and solace every step of the way.
Legacy
Beyond a service, we're committed to helping families create lasting tributes that transcend generations.
Our story
Cox Funeral Home was founded in 1927 by Mr. E. W. Cox. He, along with his sons Walter Cox and Ronnie Cox, served Decatur County and the surrounding areas with loyalty and pride. In 1931, Cox Funeral Home was moved to a boarding house on West Street in historic downtown Bainbridge where we continue to be located. In 2011, Andy and Christy Cadwell became the co-owners of Cox Funeral Home. Having worked at Cox since his high school years, Andy and the staff continue the tradition of service with compassion, dignity and professionalism provided to our community since 1927.
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Our incredible staff
Helping families create lasting legacies is more than a job — it's our calling. We are here to support you in any way we can and will offer you the full attention, knowledge, and compassion you need.
Richard F. (Dick) Ivey
Funeral Director
Andy Cadwell
Owner \ Funeral Director \Embalmer
Andy Cadwell has been associated with Cox Funeral Home since his teenage years at Bainbridge High School from which he graduated. Andy is also a graduate of Bainbridge Junior College, the University of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati School of Mortuary Science. He was most recently honored by the Georgia Funeral Directors Association for his 40 plus years of faithful service. Andy is also a member of the National Funeral Directors Association and the Academy of Graduate Embalmers. He is a licensed funeral director as well as an embalmer and serves as the General Manager of Cox Funeral Home. He and his wife, Christy, are co-owners of Cox Funeral Home and are active members of Eastside Baptist Church in Cairo. The Cadwells are also members of the Bainbridge-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce and the Decatur County Historical and Genealogical Society as well as patrons of the Firehouse Arts Center. Their children are Sam and Shauna Billingsley, Kay and Shane Reynolds and Major (US Army) Drew and Sarah Billingsley. They are the proud grandparents of Sheffield and Susan Reynolds, Claire and Luke Billingsley and Alex, Aaron, Aiden and Austin Billingsley.,
Christy Cadwell
Owner \ Office Manager
Christy grew up in Bainbridge where as a small child, she took piano lessons from Mrs. Mary Cox in the chapel of Cox Funeral Home not knowing that Cox Funeral Home would one day be her daily calling. She and husband, Andy are the co-owners of Cox Funeral Home and are active in the Eastside Baptist Church Church in Cairo where Christy serves as the church organist. She is also a member of the Cairo Pilot Club, the Decatur County Historical and Genealogical Society ,the Bainbridge- Decatur County Chamber of Commerce as well as a Patron of the Firehouse Arts Center. Christy serves as the office manager and oversees the day to day operations of the funeral home. She is proud to be able to assist childhood friends and families during their time of need. Christy and Andy are the parents of Sam and Shauna Billingsley, Kay and Shane Reynolds, and Major (US Army) Drew and Sarah Billingsley. They are the grandparents of 8 wonderful grandchildren- Sheffield and Susan Reynolds, Claire and Luke Billingsley and Alex, Aaron, Aiden and Austin Billingsley.
Virginia Smith
Receptionist
As she likes to refer to herself, Virginia Smith is the "senior" member of our staff. "Miss Virginia" serves as the receptionist at Cox Funeral Home. She has lived in Bainbridge for 30 years where she is retired from the USDA-Farmer's Home Administration and the First Baptist Church. She is an active member of the First Presbyterian Church and the Pilot Club. Her family includes her children Melissa and Brian Clayton and her grandson, Drew Clayton.
Deryl Ouzts
Funeral Apprentice \ Funeral Staff Member
Climax native Deryl Ouzts serves as a funeral apprentice at Cox Funeral home. Deryl is a graduate of Bainbridge High School as well as Berry College and Kennesaw State University. He enjoys music and theatre and is Vice-Chair of the Bainbridge Little Theatre Board of Directors where he has been a part of the cast of several productions. He is the proud father of three grown children - Robb,Hannah and Megan.
Lauren Turner
Director of Social Media \ Funeral Staff Member
A native of Ideal, Georgia, Lauren Turner serves as a Funeral Staff member and as the Social Media Director at Cox Funeral Home. A graduate of Southland Academy, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and Valdosta State University, she is a retired educator from the Decatur County Schools . Lauren is currently the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Decatur County Department of Family and Children's Services. She also serves as Vice Chair of the Decatur County Historical and Genealogical Society ,is a member of the Board of Commissioners for the Bainbridge Housing Authority and Board of Directors of the Firehouse Arts Center. She is also a member of the Decatur County Retired Educators Association and the Decatur County Artists' Guild. She is an active member of the First Baptist Church of Bainbridge. Lauren is the proud aunt of two nieces, Alicia Turner and Liana Turner, and is the grand aunt of Chandler Catherine Enfinger.
We exist to serve the unique needs of every family
Seamless Arrangements
We'll help you with everything you need with a simple step-by-step process for all of your funeral, cremation and cemetery plans.
Unique Funerals and Tributes
Every individual is unique. Which is why we offer fully customizable memorial services designed just for your family.
Around the Clock Support
We're here to answer any questions and help in any way we can – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Hear from
the families
we've served
“I want to thank everyone for being so kind, and making it less painful, thank you.”
Author:— Gloria Singleton rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Wonderful place to work. Co workers are so nice. Love this place.”
Author:— Jerry Bishop rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Great folks, very helpful, quality service! did outstanding for my loved ones!”
Author:— Frances Cox rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“The good job they do. Well pleased for my husband and sister.”
Author:— Mary Williamson rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“You guys were amazing today as always thank you for all your love and care”
Author:— Tuleda Murphy Corbin rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
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Honoring excellence
We’re honored to be recognized for our dedication to excellence and genuine care. Explore the esteemed associations we're a part of, and the awards that celebrate our commitment to the communities we serve.
Cox-Ivey is honored as one of the Best Places to Work in 2023.
We're hiring
Beyond the opportunity to truly make a difference, Cox-Ivey Funeral Home offers competitive pay, a healthy work-life balance, and many opportunities for growth.