Ray Beesley Fossick

Ray Beesley Fossick

Nashville, TN

Ray B. Fossick, age 75, passed away on September 27, 2014. A native Nashvillian, Dr. Fossick (Ray) was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Joseph Lancelot Fossick.

He attended Hillsboro High School, Vanderbilt, and University of Tennessee School of Dentistry. After his military service as a Captain in the Army Medical Corps, he returned to Nashville to start his practice. His dental career spanned more than four decades, during which he cared for thousands of patients. Throughout his life, he was committed to his community, to his patients and to diverse, often underserved populations across the state. He contributed directly to their health and well-being, volunteering his skill, time and expertise within the TN Dept. of Correction and with countless resource limited persons across all walks of life. He served as Secretary of the Tennessee Dental Association, was on the first Board of Directors for Interfaith Dental Clinic, served as President of the Nashville Dental Society and volunteered his services teaching dental students at Meharry Medical College. He worked with TennCare from its onset serving on the Advisory Committee and the Peer Review Committee Council with an overarching goal of promoting greater access to dental care for Tennessee's most vulnerable children.

Ray was genuinely loved and respected by his patients and peers, by his extensive group of friends, and most certainly by his family. He was a gardener, an avid golfer - especially enjoying his buddies in the Nashville Senior Golf Association, a football (more recently a T Ball) enthusiast and a person who loved learning new things, taking advantage of classes and opportunities to expand his knowledge on many issues. He had a particular interest and a great respect for history, understanding the significance of how the past shapes the future. He also loved dogs, and they loved him back - his own Scotties, and every other dog that ever met him.

A man of many interests and talents, his foremost love was friends and family. He is survived by his wife, Sandra; sons, Tommy Fossick (Ashley), Lance Fossick (Shellie), Matthew Parker; three grandchildren, Katie, Tyler and Madeline; his brother, Stan Fossick (Carol); by a host of friends whom he actively and dearly loved - and who loved him in return. Simply put, this man was a treasure.

The funeral will take place in Belmont United Methodist Church on Tuesday, September 30, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Joseph Patrick Breen officiating. Interment, Calvary Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be at Marshall Donnelly Combs from 4-8 p.m. on Monday, September 29, and on Tuesday at the church from 9-11 a.m. prior to the service.

Pallbearers are Bob Napier, Tom Underwood, Pete Langfitt, Hugh Wright, Larry Stumb, Gene Lockyear, Clint Newman and John T. Johnson.

Contributions in Dr. Fossick's memory may be made to the Interfaith Dental Clinic, the Nashville Humane Association or to the charity of choice.

Visit the online obituary: www.MarshallDonnellyCombs.com.