Raymond Lee Fox

Raymond Lee Fox, 98, of Daytona Beach, passed away peacefully Sunday, June 15, 2014. Raymond is survived by his son, Donald Richard Fox, daughters; Patsy Marticio (Ed), Joannie Salvo (John), Gerry Fox-Ajlani (Orfan), Sandra Lynn Fox-Schrier, grandchildren; Raymond Lee Fox, III, Rita Ann Fox, Mark Salvo, Linda Delandy, Dean Salvo, Nancy Marticio, Sharon Marticio, Michael Marticio, David Marticio, Edward Marticio, Jeffrey Fox, Melissa Fox, Dava Roe, 21 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. Ray is also survived by his very close friend, Paulette Mandala, caregiver, Lisa Keziah, and beloved cat, Pumpkin. Raymond is predeceased by his sons, Raymond Lee Fox, Jr., David Ray Fox and Daniel Lee Fox. Raymond was born on May 28, 1916 in Pelham, New Hampshire to the late Howard and Marian Fox. Growing up he had to help provide for his family. His hard working nature led him to Daytona Beach in 1946 where he became a master engine builder. By the 1950's Ray had won every major NASCAR "Grand National Series" race of the time. As well as being one of the premier engine builders of his time he was also a successful car owner. There were many victories won on the wheels of Fox's stock cars. But none more exciting than Junior Johnson's upset at Daytona in 1960 driving his No. 27 Chevrolet. Along with being a car owner, master engine builder and mechanic, Ray was a NASCAR Official and Inspector, President of Living Legends of Auto Racing, Founding Member of the Checkered Flag Committee. Ray is a member of the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame, the Western Auto Mechanics Hall of Fame, the Oceanside Rotary Hall of Fame, and the Jacksonville (Fla) Raceway Stock Car Hall of Fame, and was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2003. Ray is notably the oldest member of NASCAR. He had a long career in NASCAR running his last race as an owner in 1974. Fox stayed active in NASCAR well into his 80's. His legendary skill as a master engine builder was passed on to his late son, Raymond Lee Fox, Jr. who passed his passion for stock car racing to his son, Raymond Lee Fox, III who is a Car Chief for Penske Racing, which marks three generations of the Fox family to be involved in NASCAR. To the world of stock car racing Raymond Lee Fox was a legend, to his family he will be remembered as their hero, a father who took care of them no matter what. A visitation is scheduled for 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at Lohman Funeral Home Daytona, located at 1423 Bellevue Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday June 19, 2014 at the Funeral Home with the interment to follow at Daytona Memorial Park, located at 1425 Bellevue Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Raymond's name to The Living Legends of Auto Racing, P.O. Box 290854, Port Orange, Florida. Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Daytona. Condolences may be shared at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com