Dallas Cowboys Boldest Fan: Wilford "Crazy Ray" Jones

by KD Drummond on Sep 24, 2011 9:00 PM CDT in Dallas Cowboys History

Let's be honest.

This portion of our sponsored 'Boldest' series was a no-brainer and this being 'We Hate Washington' week is just the poetic justice the nomination deserves. Wilford "Crazy Ray" Jones was without a doubt the boldest Cowboys fan ever, serving as the team's unofficial mascot for 46 seasons.

The younger fans might not remember, but there was a time when the lead-in to every single Cowboys-Redskins game would feature a cameo of Crazy Ray and Chief Zee pretending to beat each other up. Jones passed away in March 2007 due to heart disease and diabetes, but his memory lives on in the hearts of generations worth of Cowboys fans.

Starting off as a pennant vendor at the Cotton Bowl (well before my time), Crazy Ray earned his stripes with his famous whistle and charm.

Back then he bounded up aisles and through concourses with a whistle in his mouth, a smile on his face and a trick up his sleeve. Reach out for one of his trademark balloon toys and get--surprise!--a squirt of water from the silver faucet rigged to his black "RAY" bowler hat.

--Dallas Observer

More...

The article linked above is a good read, written from when Ray was suffering from the disease that would eventually take his life. It includes some glimpses into the level of appreciation shown to him by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

Crazy Ray was a staple at Texas Stadium, given a parking pass and all-access at home contests. He would entertain the crowds with magic tricks and wild antics, always sporting his signature chaps, six-shooter and blue vest. Upon his passing, Jerry Jones had this to say:

"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."

So for this exercise, a giant and generous hat tip goes out to Wilford "Crazy Ray" Jones, the boldest Cowboys fan.

Next Up: Boldest Member of BTB

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Comments

I always knew him as "Whistling Ray".

I don’t know if that was just what he was called by my family, or if it was used by others, but it described him very well, with his signature whistles. He used to do personal appearances at high school events and other venues all over North Texas. He was a delight.

Formerly Pineywoods - different name, same cockeyed view of the world.
Jason Garrett - Lord of Order
Rob Ryan - Lord of Chaos

by Tom Ryle on Sep 24, 2011 9:25 PM CDT reply actions

Nope, we called him Whistling Ray, too.

by Fernie67 on Sep 24, 2011 9:49 PM CDT up reply actions

Back in the Cotton Bowl, when he was selling pennants in the tux/tails/top hat

Ray was known as Whistling Ray because of the metal apparatus he put into his mouth that let him do very loud bird-call-type sounds. Those high-pitched whistling sounds could be heard all through the Cotton Bowl.

Later, at Texas Stadium, when he got “promoted” to the stadium floor, with the perks mentioned by KD, he wore the blue-white western outfit – with chaps, Cowboys hat, pistols, and a stick horse. Then, his antics were so zany, entertaining, and popular, that he became known as “Crazy” Ray.

..., Longhorns, and Spurs - all undefeated in 2011-12.

by hookerhome on Sep 24, 2011 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions

Thanks.

Always good to know my mind isn’t all the way gone yet.

Formerly Pineywoods - different name, same cockeyed view of the world.
Jason Garrett - Lord of Order
Rob Ryan - Lord of Chaos

by Tom Ryle on Sep 24, 2011 10:42 PM CDT up reply actions

C'mon in. The water's fine.

Upside’s ya neither notice nor worry about it.

Cry 'Havoc!'

by tanstaafl on Sep 25, 2011 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions

I remember Ray very well from his Cotton Bowl days.

His top-hat at some point had a faucet on the front that actually would produce water out of it… all of us kids would follow him around when we could. I bought one of those whistle-things from him…. it was awesome.

I remember the first time we saw him at a Cowboys game on TV, we were thrilled. We KNEW that guy. It was almost like knowing one of the players. Excellent & perfect choice….. thanks for the memories Ray.

"You have to play this game like somebody just hit your mother with a 2x4." -- Dan Birdwell, Oakland Raiders

RR1 = RedRocket / RR2 = RobRyan
RR3 = Ready for Retirement(JerryJones) / rr = rabblerouser

by jstaubach on Sep 24, 2011 11:45 PM CDT up reply actions

I wish there were pictures of him in the top hat. That's how I'll always remember him.

by Fernie67 on Sep 24, 2011 11:52 PM CDT up reply actions

I don't remember his top hat, but I remember him well from this Texas Stadium days.

by Rena on Sep 25, 2011 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions

While poking around for top hat photo

Deep in the heart of Redskins country, I chanced upon this trail to yet again find our foe’s painted face speaks with honor and without forked tongue:

“No Ray,” Zema first said, “I ain’t coming down to Texas with those people riding around with shotguns.”

But he came, and told the story of how Ray arranged for an airport roundup, men dressed up carrying toy guns to apprehend Chief Zee in the terminal and take him directly to Texas Stadium. Zema never checked into a hotel, he said, because at the insistence of Ray and Mattie he spent the weekend at the Jones house.

“Ray always told me, ‘Look out for the children because that’s the people of tomorrow,’” Zema recalled.

And at that, Chief Zee removed his coveted headdress, and as was their custom he said for the losing mascot after games, he put on a Cowboys cap in tribute to his buddy and screamed in the best rendition of Crazy Ray, “Cowboys!”

He received a standing ovation. Only in the name of Crazy Ray could a Redskin be truly cheered at Texas Stadium.

The rest of the write-up’s a definitely and highly recommended read.

Cry 'Havoc!'

by tanstaafl on Sep 25, 2011 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

I was at the Redskins/Cowboys opening MNF game in 92. Shook Ray's hand in the tent party after the game. .

A thrill for me, as is everything Cowboys. We won, beating the 91 SB winners in the opener. I was also at Candlestick later that season for the NFC Championship game against the Niners. That was my best Cowboy’s year, having been at Texas stadium for the opener, and then at Candlestick for the NFC clincher. I’ve gotta look at that Niner game tape again, because I think the Cowboys brought Ray to the game. I think I remember him stomping a Niner pennant in the mud of Candlestick. If so, I wish I could have shook his hand there also. Thanks for the memories KD.

Family, Friends, Cowboys, Beer & BBQ. Life is good!

by CowboyMan on Sep 24, 2011 9:45 PM CDT reply actions

Very arguably the '92 Cowboys are the best Cowboy team ever

And I always loved seeing Ray going after chief Zee

Hey Washington... D.C. stands for Dallas Cowboys

Twitter: @silva918

by Antonio S on Sep 24, 2011 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions

Makes me sad to think he's gone.

by Fernie67 on Sep 24, 2011 9:50 PM CDT reply actions

Back when y'all were asking for our opinion

I voted for Miss Price. But I have to admit, this does make more sense.

by me gusta on Sep 24, 2011 10:01 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

Bravo. Bravissimo. Encore.

The real cowboy, the fan, represented with class befitting the Tom Landry Rule, with good-natured jest and humor and a smile that brightened many a day, the regular joe Ray of sunshine, of heart and humor, of Hope. The everyman. The fan.

Wilford "Crazy Ray" Jones. First amongst fans. First Citizen of the BTB brotherhood. Boldest.

Thanks for pointing out the error of my ways, KD, Nick, dave, Fernie, hook, wolfz, Willy and anyone else who held the rightness of their nomination of this man, this fan, as a truth in their heart. And head. Once again, I was Just Plain Wrong in my intial nomination and am thankful you all reminded me who deserved my vote. And gratitude.

Will, Ray, here’s to ya. Thanks for the memories.

Every time the Overture plays, you’re always on my mind, galloping.

Cry 'Havoc!'

by tanstaafl on Sep 24, 2011 10:18 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

Here here!

by Tonight___You on Sep 25, 2011 12:20 AM CDT up reply actions

However

As for the rest, you’re all boldest. You’re breathing, still not six-foot-under, still battling adversities, some larger, some smaller, but surviving. Takes some kinda boldness. So, Guinness, ante up… – round for the house.

Or, should I say, Hope, not boldness. Yeah, Hope.

Sorry, I was… – Just. Plain. Wrong.
but, the eternal butt, not on the Guinness ante-up part.

I’m still standing by both the reasoning for and calling for the Guinness ante-up.

Cry 'Havoc!'

by tanstaafl on Sep 24, 2011 10:28 PM CDT reply actions

Off topic - KD's contest

A bunch of you still need to get your picks in for this week’s 10 for 10.

GunsUp, The Penguin, and VicTor W – if you’re reading this, you need to resubmit your entries. You forgot to include the Cowboys-Redskins as one of your picks.

..., Longhorns, and Spurs - all undefeated in 2011-12.

by hookerhome on Sep 24, 2011 10:31 PM CDT reply actions

Great choice, KD

and the right choice!

Also, thanks for all the rec’s on the nomination story when I shared my memories of Ray’s transformation from Cotton Bowl pennant vendor to Texas Stadium icon.

..., Longhorns, and Spurs - all undefeated in 2011-12.

by hookerhome on Sep 24, 2011 10:42 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

Naturally you'd say "right choice!". You nominated him.

KD too. And for once in my cynical, suspicious, trust-no-one life, I’m not pondering conspiracy or anything of the sort. Merely thankful I saw the day. And the fan.

Cry 'Havoc!'

by tanstaafl on Sep 24, 2011 10:57 PM CDT up reply actions

I saw what you saw. And what my eye saw affected my heart.

A man known (by face and passion) by many as the iconic Fan among all fans.

"....the Cowboy way...." (Head Coach, Jason Garrett)

by BishopWest on Sep 24, 2011 11:14 PM CDT up reply actions

Not only ours

…he took off his headdress, put on a Cowboy hat and let loose with a “Cowboys!!!!” scream. By the time he sat back down, his eyes had welled up.
“I put that Cowboy hat on,” he explained. “That’s what made me cry.”

His most honorable and honored friendly foe. How appropriate this Boldestness comes with the ‘Skins visiting our yard this upcoming game. Takes a special kinda Lone Ranger – Tonto gumption and rightness of being for a cowboy to earn such a friendship and to give his in such a manner. Ray and Zee, their like’ll not cheer the sidelines again.

“It’s been a good rival the last 29 years.”
“Nooo, it don’t make no difference,” Zee said. “I’m sorry he’s passed, but no, he knows I want to win. He’s up there looking down through that hole in Texas Stadium. He know. When I go up to heaven, he’ll be chasing me up there, and I’ll be chasing him.”

Cry 'Havoc!'

by tanstaafl on Sep 25, 2011 1:26 AM CDT up reply actions

What say you?

There are those who say Crazy Ray belongs in the Cowboys Ring of Honor.

I say “Yea”.

I hope to one day say “Yea!!!”

Cry 'Havoc!'

by tanstaafl on Sep 24, 2011 10:53 PM CDT reply actions

Great choice!

"....the Cowboy way...." (Head Coach, Jason Garrett)

by BishopWest on Sep 24, 2011 10:55 PM CDT reply actions

At another Cowboys blog, my handle was "Not So Crazy Ray"

In a show of respect to Crazy Ray. He was a true fan, and I’m proud to share his name.

Blogging Suns basketball for Bright Side of the Sun from California wine country.
Twitter: @EastBayRaymundo

by East Bay Ray on Sep 25, 2011 12:12 AM CDT reply actions

Crazy Ray Was the epitome of Boldest Cowboy Fan! I miss ya Ray!

by meisternance on Sep 25, 2011 12:41 AM CDT reply actions

Was a great man and I remember him well...

Do you think professional sports could ever go back to having fan icons like this? Hard hat Jets guy withstanding….

2 part question....
Eli Manning sucks and
go f@#k yourself!
(Tosh.O "crying Giants fan")

by Wayward Irish on Sep 25, 2011 1:25 AM CDT reply actions

i think crazy ray deserves his name up there in the stadium somwhere,

i remember him all the way back to the mid 60s, he was the best at what he did , and thats make you smile and happy to be atthe cowboys game… my hats off to ya ray )

woman !, dont try to understand em, dont try to make them understand you, for they are a breed apart ! lol

by demonbane on Sep 25, 2011 1:27 AM CDT reply actions

Maybe KD will sit down for lunch with Jerry

when the Cowboys are in Washington and ask him about it.

..., Longhorns, and Spurs - all undefeated in 2011-12.

by hookerhome on Sep 25, 2011 5:33 AM CDT up reply actions

Nahhh, KD's too nice

Needs somone who won’t ask, but’ll convince.

Cry 'Havoc!'

by tanstaafl on Sep 25, 2011 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions

How cool'd it be...

… if JJ sprung a surprise. Inducted him Monday night. ‘Skins in town, national spotlight, fly Zee down for the game, even let him do the inducting or (if Maddie, Wilf’s wife, is unable or has since died too, don’t think she has though) accept on Ray’s behalf. There’d be some bold JJ. If only Guinness was the Cowboys’ beer sponser. If only JJ was aware of and paid heed to BTB. If only…

Ah, a man can dream can’t he…

Cry 'Havoc!'

by tanstaafl on Sep 25, 2011 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions

Right.

In. the. Ring. of. Honor.

Cry 'Havoc!'

by tanstaafl on Sep 25, 2011 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions

I'm with you, tanstaafl

I’d like to see Crazy Ray in the Ring of Honor.

by bonedweezil on Sep 25, 2011 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions

Ray came in my dealership and bought a car about 20 years ago.

He did his thing for the salespeople and customers, balloons and all, and seemed to love the attention.

Lock n Load

by DIRE WOLF on Sep 25, 2011 10:20 AM CDT reply actions

He was part of my youth

Well done.

"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"

by 5Blings on Sep 25, 2011 3:44 PM CDT reply actions

Unforgetable

From the Cotton Bowl, top hat & tails, days along with all the rest.
We would buy peanuts from him just to interact with “Whistlin Ray”.
Always a treat to see Ray. Obvious pick, imo, for top fan.

History is made daily.
Go Cowboys & Hook 'Em Horns

by 1Bullseye on Sep 25, 2011 7:14 PM CDT reply actions

Mr. Jerry Jones

While the devil in me sorely tempts me to dare you, to defy you to prove me wrong in saying “I don’t think you’ll do it, put Wilford Jones in the Cowboys Ring of Honor”, I’ll resist that temptation. I would pull either or both as a trump card if I knew for certain it was. I don’t and I don’t want to be mistaken or wrong in saying what I mean to say here.

I’ll simply say: “Do it. You know it’s the right thing to do. One of those trump cards you can pull when the accounting’s done at heaven’s door. Or Hells gate.”

Put Wilford Jones in the Cowboys Ring of Honor. Please.

“Daddy, why is that one with the funny hat missing a year?”

“Well, because who that was, who that is, is still a part of the Cowboys. That one’s up there for us, what they call the 12th man, the fan. He’s us, the boldest and bestest of us.”

“That’s silly, Daddy. That’s not our name.”

“Well, once upon a time, there was this man, this fan, this Cowboy, and he wore a funny hat and made children, young and old, laugh and smile and cheer, and his name was…”

Cry 'Havoc!'

by tanstaafl on Sep 26, 2011 10:12 AM CDT reply actions

A couple days a go you gave me my first laugh of the day.

Today, I am not ashamed to say, you have given me my first tear.

"It’s football season and usually football players play football during football season." - Tony Romo

"The next starter is up!" - Coach Garrett

by fs65 on Sep 26, 2011 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions

Not to make it worse, but hopefully better

I screwed up on settings to display the images. See below.

Once again, my friend, that is higher praise than a man deserves. Thank you. Me too.

Cry 'Havoc!'

by tanstaafl on Sep 26, 2011 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions

Mr. Jerry Jones

While the devil in me sorely tempts me to dare you, to defy you to prove me wrong in saying "I don’t think you’ll do it, put Wilford Jones in the Cowboys Ring of Honor", I’ll resist that temptation. I would pull either or both as a trump card if I knew for certain it was. I don’t and I don’t want to be mistaken or wrong in saying what I mean to say here.

I’ll simply say: "Do it. You know it’s the right thing to do. One of those trump cards you can pull when the accounting’s done at heaven’s door. Or Hells gate."

Put Wilford Jones in the Cowboys Ring of Honor. Please.

"Daddy, why is that one with the funny hat missing a year?"

"Well, because who that was, who that is, is still a part of the Cowboys. That one’s up there for us, what they call the 12th man, the fan. He’s us, the boldest and bestest of us."

"That’s silly, Daddy. That’s not our name."

"Well, once upon a time, there was this man, this fan, this Cowboy, and he wore a funny hat and made children, young and old, laugh and smile and cheer, and his name was…"

Cry 'Havoc!'

by tanstaafl on Sep 26, 2011 1:31 PM CDT reply actions

What the blazes?! RoH banner images gone again

freakin’ google, sigh, freakin’ me

Cry 'Havoc!'

by tanstaafl on Sep 26, 2011 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions

Being as it's Cowboys/'Skins in our yard...

… on BTB’s own Monday "Honor Crazy Ray" night football, please excuse me for repeating (I apologize for the repeats and image screwups, just wanted this tribute to Wilford Jones to be done properly):

Mr. Jerry Jones

While the devil in me sorely tempts me to dare you, to defy you to prove me wrong in saying "I don’t think you’ll do it, put Wilford Jones in the Cowboys Ring of Honor", I’ll resist that temptation. I would pull either or both as a trump card if I knew for certain it was. I don’t and I don’t want to be mistaken or wrong in saying what I mean to say here.

I’ll simply say: "Do it. You know it’s the right thing to do. One of those trump cards you can pull when the accounting’s done at heaven’s door. Or Hell’s gate."

Put Wilford Jones in the Cowboys Ring of Honor. Please.

"Daddy, why is that one with the funny hat missing a year?"

"Well, because who that was, who that is, is still a part of the Cowboys. That one’s up there for us, what they call the 12th man, the fan. He’s us, the boldest and bestest of us."

"That’s silly, Daddy. That’s not our name."

"Well, once upon a time, there was this man, this fan, this Cowboy, and he wore a funny hat and made children, young and old, laugh and smile and cheer, and his name was…"

Cry 'Havoc!'

by tanstaafl on Sep 26, 2011 5:35 PM CDT reply actions