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In Memory of Crazy Ray

I am primarily a street and documentary photographer.


Wilford "Crazy Ray" Jones was the "unofficial" mascot of the Dallas Cowboys for over 40 years.

Ray, 76, died Saturday morning, March 17 2007, after battling various illnesses over the years. He was a beloved icon since the Cowboys' early days, cheering the franchise on in full western wear.

That following Tuesday, the Cowboys announced that a memorial service would be held March 24 in the Stadium Club at Texas Stadium, Ray's home away from home. The Cowboys also announced that Ray will be honored at a 2007 regular-season home game at Texas Stadium next fall. A tribute to the team's most famous fan will be presented, and the organization will honor Ray's wife Mattie in an on-field ceremony.

I was there to document the memorial service at Texas Stadium on March 24, 2007.

As a fitting tribute, the Cowboys flew in from Washington D.C., Zema Williams, Ray's longtime rival and friend from the Washington Redskins. Zema attended the memorial service in full Washington Redskins attire and his tribute to Ray was a very, very moving moment during the ceremony.


The day of Ray's death, Jerry Jones, owner of the Cowboys issued this statement about Crazy Ray- the most famous and beloved Cowboys fan of all time:

"Ray was the most dedicated, entertaining, and passionate of Cowboys fans. He touched thousands of lives and generations of football fans. 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."



To see some of my recently published work, go here: http://www.thephotojournals.com/index.htm

All images are copyrighted and may not be used for any reason without prior written consent from the photographer, Rick Waldroup.

The front cover of the memorial program.
The front cover of the memorial program.		 Texas Stadium.
Texas Stadium.		 The entrance to the Stadium Club.
The entrance to the Stadium Club.		 This banner was hanging on a fence close to the stadium.
This banner was hanging on a fence close to the stadium.
A view of the field from inside the Stadium Club.
A view of the field from inside the Stadium Club.		 One of many monitors throughout the Stadium Club that played a video honoring the life of Crazy Ray.
One of many monitors throughout the Stadium Club that played a video honoring the life of Crazy Ray.		 t6%2f99%2f655299%2f4%2f76220383.AzEjNVM3.jpg Zema Williams arriving at the ceremony.
Zema Williams arriving at the ceremony.
Zema comforting Ray's wife, Mattie.
Zema comforting Ray's wife, Mattie.		 t6%2f99%2f655299%2f4%2f76220386.nKit16Q8.jpg Mattie, Zema, and the wife of Ray's brother.
Mattie, Zema, and the wife of Ray's brother.		 Jerry Jones arriving at the ceremony.
Jerry Jones arriving at the ceremony.
Jerry Jones sharing some memories of Ray with Zema.
Jerry Jones sharing some memories of Ray with Zema.		 Jerry Jones and his wife Jean, chatting with Mattie prior to the beginning of the memorial service.
Jerry Jones and his wife Jean, chatting with Mattie prior to the beginning of the memorial service.		 Jody Dean, a local radio personality in Dallas, was the MC for the event.
Jody Dean, a local radio personality in Dallas, was the MC for the event.		 John Weber, team chaplain for the Cowboys, leads the congreation in prayer.
John Weber, team chaplain for the Cowboys, leads the congreation in prayer.
Murphy Martin, the voice of Texas Stadium from 1975-1998, and Ray's longtime friend.
Murphy Martin, the voice of Texas Stadium from 1975-1998, and Ray's longtime friend.		 Robert Newhouse, running back for the Cowboys from 1972-1983.
Robert Newhouse, running back for the Cowboys from 1972-1983.		 Wayne Walker, a neighbor and close friend of Ray and Mattie's.
Wayne Walker, a neighbor and close friend of Ray and Mattie's.		 Zema addressing the congregation.
Zema addressing the congregation.
In a very moving moment, Zema takes his headdress off and dons a Cowboys cap in memory of his longtime friend and rival.
In a very moving moment, Zema takes his headdress off and dons a Cowboys cap in memory of his longtime friend and rival.		 Calvin Hill, running back for the Cowboys from 1969-1974.
Calvin Hill, running back for the Cowboys from 1969-1974.		 Jerry Jones sharing his memories of his favorite Cowboys fan, Crazy Ray.
Jerry Jones sharing his memories of his favorite Cowboys fan, Crazy Ray.		 After the ceremony, Zema is mobbed by fans.
After the ceremony, Zema is mobbed by fans.
Zema breaks down. His love for Crazy Ray was evident.
Zema breaks down. His love for Crazy Ray was evident.		 The media surrounds Mattie and close friend, Wayne Walker.
The media surrounds Mattie and close friend, Wayne Walker.		 t6%2f99%2f655299%2f4%2f76220444.gkcmpFQR.jpg One last shot inside the Stadium Club at the end of the memorial.
One last shot inside the Stadium Club at the end of the memorial.

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Clovis Harbor26-Mar-2007 20:36
Great gallary, Ray will be missed...
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