AP: 'Crazy Ray,' who sparked Cowboys fans for years, dies

[bubba9497]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2802745







'Crazy Ray,' who sparked Cowboys fans for years, dies

Associated Press

DALLAS -- Wilford "Crazy Ray" Jones, the boisterous Dallas Cowboys fan who energized crowds for decades with his cowboy getup and sideline cheerleading, died Saturday. He was 76.

Jones died at his home, said Tracy Moberly, a friend of the family. Diabetes and cardiovascular disease were listed as the causes of death, according to the Dallas County medical examiner's office.

Known as the Cowboys' unofficial mascot, Jones entertained fans with sideline antics and magic tricks while wearing his signature chaps, six-shooter and blue vest.

Though he was not paid by the Cowboys, he was given a special parking space at Texas Stadium and granted all-access at home games.

"He touched thousands of lives and generations of football fans," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said on the team's Web site. "He will remain an important part of this team's heritage and family for as long as fans go to Cowboys games and feel his spirit."

"Crazy Ray" Jones, who had a leg amputated in 1997, had battled ailing health in recent years, including five heart bypasses and a stroke. Friends had set up a Web site -- www.savecrazyray.com -- seeking donations to help the family pay for medical and utility bills.

[ChampSkinsFanatic]

R.I.P. to a worthy opponent, reminds me of Chief Z

[Walking Deadman]

R.I.P. to a worthy opponent, reminds me of Chief Z

It was funny to watch Crazy Ray and Chief Z fight on TV.

He'll be missed.

[Blondie]

He and Cheif Z are very close friends.

[MikeSellers45]

Never heard of the guy, but RIP

[Jeremiah_Johnson]

Dear God Why??????? Why Couldn't It Have Been Rowdy Instead ??????

[Jumbo]

Salute, Crazy Ray...you were cool

[dwdj75]

I met him once, had the same doctor as me, I sat there thinking "Man, I know this guy, but from where ? Then it just dawned on me.

Had real nice conversation, very good man ... no, great man. He will be missed.

[tr4]

helps remind us that football is just a game...RIP

[Gallen5862]

RIP Crazy Ray!

[Warhead36]

Oh ****, he and Chief Zee would always be brawling.

RIP Crazy Ray.

[bubba9497]

Great Fans like him and Chief Zee helped make the Cowboy Vs Redskin Rivalary even that much better, and fun

I always enjoyed the sideline shot of him and Zee "rasslin sometimes one winning, the next time the other winning

Even though he was a cowboy fan, I feel he has a small notch in many Skins fans hearts, because of his good natured razzing

May he RIP, and watch the Cowboys through the "hole" for eternity

[NewCliche21]

It is just a game.

Rest in peace.

[Gilgamesh]

Wow, this makes me sad. Won't be the same without him.

[WARLORD1863]

That sobered me up... R.I.P. Crazy Ray, you'll be remembered by all those you touched with your warmth and your fanaticism.