Raymond Franklin Cox, Sr.

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Raymond Franklin Cox, Sr., a mere 97 years of age, of Pampa, Texas, went to eternal glory late Tuesday evening, June 1, 2021, in Amarillo while at the VA Medical Center. He was born on September 30, 1923, in Sikeston, Missouri to James and Thelma Cox.

His family moved to Pampa in the 1930’s and Raymond had remained a resident since that time. He enlisted in the United States Army on January 22, 1943, and was in the Airborne Division while fighting in World War II. During his tenure, he had the fortune to meet General Patton as well as General Eisenhower. Raymond was particularly fond of those two memories in his lifetime. Having achieved the rank of Technical Sergeant, Raymond received his Honorable Discharge from the US Army on January 6, 1943, and moved back home.

After finding his “other” half, he married Elna Mae Dyer 68 years ago and they remained together until her passing on December 26, 2011. Raymond was the epitome of a hard worker. He never let the sun set on an unfinished job and knew the value in a job well done. Eventually over time, he accumulated and maintained rental properties. When not working on his properties, Raymond could be found watching his favorite gameshows, Wheel of Fortune or The Price Is Right, fishing, searching for his next great bargain at garage sales and even on occasion, goading his grandsons into driving fast. Not only was he resilient and strong but likened to the Energizer Bunny…he just kept on going! In his 97 years, Raymond observed countless historical events and changes throughout history; however, something that never waivered was his loyalty to his family. He was always so very inviting and accommodating when guests came to see him, he always offered drinks and food as he never wanted anyone to feel unwelcome. His kindness and compassion will be forever missed.

Raymond was preceded in death by his beloved wife Elna Mae Cox; a son, Raymond Cox, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Melinda Cox; parents; brother, H.M. Killough; three sisters, Joyce McAllery; Myrtle Johnson and Veta Samples.

Those that remain to cherish his love and memories are his son, Mike Cox and wife Sherry; grandchildren, Michelle Shedd and husband Logan, Jennifer Stark and husband Matt, Raymond “Boog” Cox III, Brandon Cox, Jonathan Cox and wife Samantha; six great-grandchildren, Ashton Shedd, Christopher Shedd, Bryson Cox, Madison Petroski, Harper Shedd, Cameron Cox and one expected to arrive in October all of Pampa; brother-in-law, Ezra “Junior” Dyer and wife Edith of Colorado Springs; his dog and sidekick that never left his side, Viper and a host of nieces and nephews.

Raymond will be available to pay final respects on Friday, June 4th and Saturday, June 5th from 9 am until 8 pm and again Sunday, June 6th from 1 pm until 8 pm with a Family and Friends Visitation from 2 to 4 pm at Winegeart Funeral Home.

Celebration of Life Funeral Services are scheduled for 2:00 pm, Monday, June 7, 2021, at New Life Assembly of God Church, 1435 N Sumner Street, Pampa, TX with Brother Mike Watson officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Fairview Cemetery with military honors being provided by Volleys for Veterans. The family has entrusted the care of their loved one to Winegeart Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Mike Cox, Raymond Cox III, Brandon Cox, Jonathan Cox, Matt Stark, Logan Shedd, Christopher Shedd and Bryson Cox. Honorary Pallbearers are Cameron Cox, Ashton Shedd, Madison Petroski, Harper Shedd.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt Thank You to the staff of the VA Medical Center as well as the Caprock Nursing Center for the wonderful care you so graciously bestowed on our loved one.

Should memorials be a preference, the family suggests they be made to either the VA Medical Center, 6010 Amarillo Blvd West, Amarillo, Texas 79106; Caprock Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 900 College Ave, Borger, Texas 79007 or Hobart Baptist Church, 1100 W Crawford Street, Pampa, Texas 79065 in memory of Raymond.

To leave words of love and encouragement for the family on Raymond’s Book of Memories, please visit www.winegeartfuneral.com.