The Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA) family is deeply saddened by the passing of former President and CEO Larry Cox, and extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.
Current MSCAA President and CEO Terry Blue said “Larry Cox had a profound impact on the success and growth of Memphis International Airport and was a respected leader in the aviation industry. More importantly, he was deeply committed to the Memphis community. We mourn his loss, and our thoughts are with his family.”
Cox spent 41 years at MSCAA, 29 of those years as the President and CEO during a time when MEM emerged as both a major commercial and cargo airport. He worked in both the MSCAA Operations and Properties Departments before eventually becoming President and CEO in 1985, a position he held until his retirement in 2013. His industry leadership roles included serving as chairman of the American Associa-tion of Airport Executives (AAAE), board member for Airports Council International (ACI), president of the Tennessee Association of Air Carrier Airports, and president of the Southeast Chapter of AAAE.
A community leader, Cox served as chairman of the board of directors for the Greater Memphis Chamber and chairman of the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau (now Memphis Tourism). He also served as chairman for the Mid-South Minority Business Council (MSMBC).
He received the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) 1996 Kitty Hawk Award and AAAE’s 2001 Distinguished Service Award. In addition, he was awarded the FedEx Bravo Zulu Award in 2004 and was inducted into the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame in 2005.
Cox received a BBA in Economics and an MBA in Management from the University of Memphis. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.
In remembrance, the family has asked that any charitable donations be made to the University of Memphis Larry Cox Scholarship Fund. Donations can be made at https://supportum.memphis.edu/larrydcoxscholarship.
The following are the details for his memorial service:
Thursday, June 6, 2024
Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery
5668 Poplar Ave.
Memphis, TN 38119
Visitation: 12:00p – Riverside Chapel
Funeral Service: 1:00p – Riverside Chapel