Mr. Billy Ray Cox's Obituary
COX, DR. BILLY RAY born November 12, 1935 in Gladewater, TX to A.C. and Mattie Jean Cox. He finished the race to which he was called on September 24, 2007 in Dallas, TX with his family at his side. He is survived by his wife Patricia, children; David and Scooter Cox, Dale and Angie Cox, and David and Kimberly Grogan. As well as his 9 grandchildren; Jarod Cox, Ben and Jennifer Moltz, Robert Cox, Katheryn Grogan, Kyle Cox, Aaron Grogan, Tiffany Cox and Jordan Cox. Billy Ray was the definition of a “Renaissance man”. Husband, father, grandfather, teacher, administrator, CPA, businessman, investor, Elder, Board Member and friend. He attended Gladewater High School in Gladewater, TX, Harding University in Searcy, AR, Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX, and Harvard Business School in Boston, MA. After beginning his career as a CPA in Dallas he returned to Harding University for 15 years, where he served as Teacher, Dean of the Business School and Executive Vice President. One of Billy Ray’s greatest joys has been to watch former students rise up as leaders of Christian education across the nation. During his time at Harding University, as a student and later a faculty member, Billy Ray became a successful public speaker. In 1979 his speech; “Rebirth of a Nation” was chosen as the official bicentennial speech by the Freedom Foundation in Valley Forge, PA. In 1979 he and his wife moved the family to Dallas where he began a new chapter in life as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Dal-Tile International. After 14 years of successful service, which led to the sale and public offering of Dal-Tile, Billy Ray began what he called'”retirement”. While his contemporaries were retiring to enjoy grandchildren and the “golden years”, Billy Ray dedicated much of his time to helping organizations he cared deeply about; Christian Care Centers, Saturn Road Church of Christ, International Christian mission efforts and Dallas Christian School. Using his business acumen and many years of experience, Billy Ray assisted these organizations as they expanded their scope and variety of services. He chaired fund raising campaigns, mentored management on financial, legal, and business decisions and provided inspirational spiritual guidance. His heart for Christian service is unquestioned. While he lived in Dallas with his family, his heart had definitely wandered to Africa. Specifically, the mission works in Nairobi, Kenya. More important than all of his other accomplishments, Billy Ray was a family man, known to his grandchildren simply as Bear. Seldom did a day go by when he didn’t visit with his children and grandchildren, always ending his conversations with an expression of unconditional love. Just last summer he was able to take all 17 family members to Greece for his and Pat’s 50th Anniversary. It was truly the trip of a life-time! This year also marked the 28th consecutive annual family trip to South Padre Island. There is a shadow of grief around all those who knew and loved him. However, that is only due to the absence of the bright light he shown on them by reflecting the One he served. Billy Ray served his Lord and Savior without rest for 72 years and he now rests eternally in His grip! The only viewing will be from 5:30 – 8:00 pm Wednesday, September 26, 2007 at Dallas Christian School-Dr. Billy Ray and Pat Cox Event Center; 1515 Republic Parkway, Mesquite, TX 75150. Service will be 1:00 pm, Thursday, September 27, 2007 at Saturn Road Church of Christ; 3030 Saturn Road, Garland, TX 75041 with burial at Restland Memorial Park. Memorial donations may be made to: Christian Care Centers of Mesquite, TX, Saturn Road Church of Christ Missions of Garland, TX or the Christian school of your choice.
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