Date of Birth: January 12, 1934
Date of Death: December 23, 2022
Ray Cox, 88, passed away December 23, 2022 after a long bout with cancer. A lifelong Phoenix resident, he graduated from Glendale High School, ASU and did post graduate work at Wharton Business School. He was a Korean War Navy veteran. A long time business executive, his career began when he managed KTAR Radio. In 1968 He joined Combined Communications Corporation as Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs. In the 90s he founded Cox Investor Relations, sold it and then built and operated radio station KCCF AM 1100, which is now KFNX, until selling it. He was an original Director of the Fiesta Bowl and was known as the Father of the Fiesta Bowl Parade as he chaired it for the first three years. Ray was also a member of a number of civic and charitable organizations including the Tempe Diablos, the Phoenix Advertising Club and the Arizona Broadcasters Association. He volunteered many hours at VNSA and their annual book sale. He served on the Board of Directors of the Pointe Tapatio Community Association for 17 years and was a member of the Phoenix Police Reserve Advisory Board. Ray also raised the money to build and maintain the monument in Bolin Plaza honoring Arizona lawmen who died in the line of duty. Sports fans will remember him as the voice of Sun Devil sports as for 19 years he broadcasted ASU football, baseball and basketball games. Ray is survived by his wife of 42 years, Ann, his daughters Shari Alton, DC Cox and Andrea Cox along with his step sons Mark Lathrop (Theresa), Todd Lathrop (Laura) and grandchildren Quinn, John and Samantha. Ray was cremated. No services are planned. Condolence messages may be left at Best Funeral Services www.bestfuneralservices.com.
So sorry to hear of Ray’s death after a long struggle with cancer. He definitely left a large footprint in Arizona as a successful businessman and sports personality. He announced ASU baseball games when a local, Jim Brock, was named ASU Head Baseball Coach back in 1972. Ray greatly helped my late husband survive in the “big show” in many post-game interviews and was very supportive of him. Many thanks from the Brock Family.
So sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. He was a fine broadcaster, a great story teller, and a friend. Condolences to his family and other friends.
RIP Ray!
Ray recruited me to the first Fiesta Bowl Parade committee. He made our meetings fun, and set high goals. These standards soon earned the parade a national TV audience, which increased the number and quality of parade entries.. We kept in touch through the years, and I learned of his health problems.
Ray was a warrior! He fought to make the Fiesta Bowl Parade the best it could be. And he fought multiple cancers for years…I never heard him complain. RIP, Ray, I and all those you touched through the years, will greatly miss you.