Larry Dennis Cox's Obituary
Larry Dennis Cox, cherished husband, father, and grandfather and distinguished former President & CEO of Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority, gracefully departed this world on May 31, 2024, at the age of 76, following a valiant battle against Alzheimer's disease. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, on June 10, 1947, to Manley Zinn Cox, Sr. and Dorothy Harris Cox, Larry's life was an extraordinary journey marked by exceptional accomplishments and profound love.
A Memphis native, Larry’s family moved here when he was six years old. Excelling academically, he graduated from Mabel C. Williams High School in 1965, followed by the completion of his Bachelor’s Degree from Memphis State University in 1969. His spirit of service led him to the United States Air Force, where he served with distinction as an Air Transportation Officer and subsequently obtained his general aviation pilot status and commercial license while stationed in Alaska.
Returning to Memphis, Larry continued his academic pursuits, earning his MBA from Memphis State University in 1974. His professional career took flight with the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority in 1973, where he held various roles, starting as an unpaid intern but ultimately serving as President & CEO from 1985 until his retirement in 2013.
Larry's dedication extended beyond his professional endeavors. He was deeply involved in numerous aviation associations and community organizations, including serving as Chairman of the American Association of Airport Executives, The Greater Memphis Chamber, the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau (now Memphis Tourism), and the Mid-South Minority Business Council (MSMBC). His influence and leadership were instrumental in shaping the landscape of aviation in Tennessee and beyond and was recognized for his efforts with the FAA’s “Kitty Hawk” award and was also inducted into the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame in 2005.
Yet, amidst his remarkable achievements, Larry's greatest source of pride was his family. He shared an enduring bond with his wife, Patricia Lynn Cox, whose unwavering support was a constant source of strength. Larry was a cherished brother to Manley Zinn Cox, Jr. (Jill) and a loving father to his two daughters Stephanie Burns (Josh) and Leigh-Ann Johnson (Brandon). Their laughter and joy brought light to his life, and his memory will continue to shine brightly in theirs.
Larry was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, William Burns, whose memory he held close to his heart. He leaves behind a legacy of love and warmth in the hearts of his grandchildren: Emma Burns, Hudson Burns, and Elena Johnson. Their laughter and joy brought light to his life, and his memory will continue to shine brightly in theirs.
In addition to his biological children, Larry embraced his role as a stepfather with grace and love. He is survived by his stepchildren, Stephanie Stanfill Shearin and Brad Stanfill (Dani), who brought new dimensions of love and family into his life. Larry's step-grandchildren, Angelina Armstrong (Aaron) and Rachael Burton, were cherished members of his family, and he loved them with all his heart.
Larry's memory will forever inspire those who knew him. His integrity, compassion, and unwavering faith leave an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of crossing his path. In the words of Billy Graham, “The greatest legacy one can pass on to one’s children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one’s life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.”
A celebration of Larry's life will be held on Thursday, June 6 beginning with visitation at noon followed by service at 1:00pm in the Riverside Chapel at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN.
The family kindly requests donations be given in his memory to the Larry D. Cox Scholarship benefitting undergraduate students at the University of Memphis Fogelman College of Business & Economics. Donations can be made online at https://supportum.memphis.edu/larrydcoxscholarship.
To view services online, please click link below.
https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/101573/hash:22D59E49FE771DE2
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