Ray Dean Fox

Ray Dean Fox, age 76, of Ozark, passed from this world on Thursday, February 25, 2010, in St. John's Medical Center. The son of George "Elmer" and Myrtle (Wells) Fox was born May 27, 1933, in Ponce de Leon, Missouri. When Ray was six months old, his mother passed away and Elmer later married Viola Johnson. In 1950, Ray graduated from Abesville High School and, after a brief stint in the U. S. Army, Ray began a successful working career. He worked at Kraft Foods in Springfield for about 15 years. During this time he also raised feeder pigs where he became friends with many special people in Southwest Missouri. He bought a bulk milk route and drove for Mid-America Dairies for about five years before beginning a 26 year career at Paul Schupbach and Dennis Hanks Chevrolet where he retired in 1998. Ray enjoyed so many different aspects about his life, such as his love of restoring classic Chevys and Olds, going to swap meets, collecting antiques, making new friends, and enjoying time spent with his family. He was a member of the Southside church of Christ in Ozark. He was preceded in death by his parents and step sister, Dorotha Gray. Ray is survived by his wife, Margaret of 56 years; daughter, Debbie Burks and husband Don, of Ozark; three sons, Danny Fox and wife Mary, of Rogersville; Doug Fox and wife Robin of Oldfield; and Brad Fox and wife Cathy of Ozark; eight grandchildren, Amy Richerson and husband Donald, James Fox, Dustin Burks and wife Nicole, Stephen Fox, Lindsay Wilson and husband Brent, Tyler Fox, Matthew Fox, Zachary Fox, and four special great grandsons, Carter Richerson, Connor Richerson, Mason Burks, Liam Wilson; five sisters, ClaraBelle Keithley, Jessie Marie Barton, Ethelyn Short, Betty Richardson, and Ruth Anne Hemphill ; as well as countless friends throughout the community. Visitation will be Saturday, February 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. and funeral services will be Sunday, February 28, at 2 p.m., in Adams Funeral Home in Ozark. Burial will be at the Highlandville Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Fair Haven Children's Home.