Ronald Dale Cox's Obituary
Ronald Dale Cox, 89, embraced a peaceful journey into eternity with arms wide open for a heavenly hug. His incredible life was marked by a profound sense of humor and a diverse range of passions. Before embarking on his distinguished career in the US Army, he displayed his prowess as an avid baseball player in Alba, MO. A memorable encounter with baseball legend Mickey Mantle, whom he struck out twice, added a unique chapter to his high school sports narrative. His musical talents extended to playing piano, trombone, and bass trombone during his years in high school and later in the University of Arkansas Razorback Band. Notably, he spent a season playing basketball for the Razorback, leaving with a lighthearted tease that everyone had grown too tall for him.
Upon earning a BS in Business Administration, he joined the Army as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Field Artillery, attending Officer Basic Course at Ft. Sill, OK. His military journey included impactful tours in Korea and Vietnam, where he demonstrated his commitment and leadership. AIDE de CAMP to General Del Mar in Puerto Rico, he played a pivotal role in the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President Kennedy during the Cuban Missile Crisis. His assignments took him to Quetta, Pakistan, and Vicenza, Italy, and various leadership roles, including Battalion Commander at Ft. Sill. He served as the Defense Attaché' at the U.S. Embassies in Caracas, Venezuela, and Madrid, Spain.
Retiring to Tulsa, he found joy in computer graphics, cruises with his beloved wife Sharon, and active involvement in St. James Methodist Church. Their love story, initiated on June 17, 1956, endured for 55 years until Sharon's passing in 2011. Bowling, cheering for the Atlanta Braves, and passionately supporting Razorbacks sports filled his leisure hours. Winning contests on KTUL-TV's Newlywed Game and Regis and Kathy Lee, including a trip to Grenada, added more layers to their shared adventures. Ronald Dale Cox's impact will endure, resonating through the lives he touched and the indelible memories he leaves behind.
He was preceded in death by his father, Eugene V. Cox, and mother, Gladys Lyda Cox McCoy of Joplin, MO; and his wife, Sharon Gaye Reed Cox, of Joplin, MO.
He is survived by his brother, Gary D. Cox of Branson, MO; his children, Terence Vincent Cox and partner, Tim Anderson, Randall Gaylord Cox and wife, Leslie, Kimberly Ann Rowan and husband, Bill, and Christopher Kevin Cox and wife, Dede; his 8 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; several grand-nieces and nephews, family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to any local K-9 police force or dog shelter of your choice.
To view the service via webcasting use the link below:
https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/96580/hash:367ADC015EAA2971
Visitation will be 5-7 pm, Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at Floral Haven Funeral Home
The Funeral Service will be at 12:30 pm, Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at Floral Haven Chapel
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