Elliott Ray Cox, age 93, of Denton, TX. passed away in Denton on August 15, 2022. He was born on October 8, 1928, in Houston, TX, the eldest of three sons of Jack and Marion Cox, and grew up with his two brothers, Jimmy and Jack, in East Texas at the Humble Oil Camps where his father was employed. A prolific architectural designer, Ray leaves a legacy of custom homes, apartments, condominiums, restaurants, and businesses in Denton and the surrounding areas. In addition, he received requests for specialized designs memorializing a person or cause. Ray had a unique talent in using space to create innovative and functional designs. He listened carefully to his clients and created solutions while maintaining the design. Ray was still designing in the Fall of 2021. He had the highest moral character, ethical behavior beyond reproach, a deep and real respect of other's ideas, and generosity that bordered on excessive.

Ray's mother made sure that all her Cox boys and many of their friends heard the story of Lorenzo de Zavala, their direct ancestor. De Zavala was a Mexican national who became a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence and went on to become the first interim vice-president of the Republic of Texas. With such a history, it would be impossible for Ray to declare allegiance to any other state but Texas. On vacations, Ray made visits to many other states, enjoying their special offerings, but no one could doubt that Texas was his home!

Graduating in 1946 from Houston's Lamar High School, Ray joined the U.S. Marine Corps that summer with several of his friends and remained in the Marines until 1948. He was stationed at MCAS El Toro where he was an aviation mechanic and attained the rank of Corporal and the highest level of sharpshooting at the "Expert" level. He exemplified the goals and incorporated pride, honor, duty, and courage into his everyday life.

As a student at the University of Houston he became interested in architecture, an interest which stayed with him the rest of his life. As a University of Houston Cougar, he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, a national fraternity. He maintained close relationships with his family and many friends through copious emails and phone calls. Six other U of H alums lived in the North Texas area, and they met once a month for lunch to revisit their "glory" days at U of H.

A member and supporter of the Denton County Marine Corps League, he helped serve the Denton County community carrying on the history and traditions of the Marine Corps while promoting good citizenship and democracy. His special contribution was donating his time and efforts to the program called Toys for Tots. With an infectious laugh, Ray had a great sense of humor, was a chocaholic, and enjoyed unleashing his powerful instrument, his camera, as he explored his hobby of photography. A unique characteristic was his beautiful speaking voice that charmed one and all. Even though the volume of his voice was diminished, his nightly "I love you" to Rosann was crystal clear. He loved building airplane models and was a model railroader.  He was an avid fan of the Texas Rangers, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Houston Cougars. Ray's friends looked forward to his special Chili recipe for the Super Bowl game sharing the chili, the game, and Border Buttermilk. He was an enthusiastic runner, loved attending every air show in Waco, Dallas, Denton, and North Texas. When visiting in Florida, he attended air shows in Boca Raton and in Pensacola at the Naval Air Station. When Ray found out that Ultralight flights were taking place at Denton's Hartlee Field, he immediately signed up for lessons and for flights, pursuing his love of flying.

A dedicated father, Ray became active in Indian Guides with Brian, helping him build race cars and award-winning kites, growing closer from that experience. Ray proudly attended all of Kevin's baseball games and would travel far and wide to see him play. Chris and Ray had a literary interest in mysteries, spy thrillers, and the history of the Southwest. They also enjoyed serious political talks. He translated his experiences as a Marine into a guide to prepare his sons for life. Ray set the example for them through exploration, improvisation, discovery, and commitment. A man of action, he always enjoyed taking his children and grandchildren on trips which involved new challenges that enriched their lives.

As a devoted husband, Ray supported Rosann's love for education, the arts, and her pursuit of an advanced degree. He has attended a lifetime of dance and theatre concerts, and he more than tolerated her independent nature. On August 27 ^th they would be celebrating their 67 ^th wedding anniversary.

Ray was in the process of writing a fun novel – A Tale of Two Kitties – about the adventures of his two cats, starting with Rover and Rascal and now his current cat, Catticus Finch. The entire time he was in the rehabilitation center, he asked about Catticus daily.

Ray fell and broke his hip in February, was hospitalized for three weeks, and then transferred to the rehabilitation center. Unfortunately, he had developed life threatening swallowing issues, and in June, he was rushed to the hospital with pneumonia. He returned to a rehabilitation center where he worked with therapists to regain his strength. There, Ray's life was brightened by a fellow Marine who consistently asked permission to enter his room where they would sing the Marine Hymn every day: … First to fight for right and freedom, and to keep our honor clean. We are proud to claim the title of the United States Marines. Although he never was able to return to his earthly home, God gathered him in his arms and helped him find an eternal home that he would never have to leave.

Ray is survived by his wife, Rosann; children Christopher Cox of Denton, TX; Kevin and Cynthia of Roswell, GA; and Brian and Debra of Denton, TX; grandchildren: Briana and Holly; and great grandchildren: Hadyn, Braydee, Jaxson, Bria, Cooper, and Teagan. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and his two brothers.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 23, at Deberry's Funeral Home, 2025 West University Dr, Denton, TX 76201. The funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m., August 24, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 2255 North Bonnie Brae. Arrangements are under the direction of Deberry's Funeral Home in Denton.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to be made in Ray Cox's name to the charity of your choice.