In Loving Memory of Ronae Raymond “Ron” Fox August 17, 1944 – July 5, 2026
Ronae Raymond “Ron” Fox, 81, of Manchester, Kentucky, peacefully departed this life on July 5, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, resilience, craftsmanship, and love for his family.
Ron was born on August 17, 1944, in Crummies, Harlan County, Kentucky, at 8:00 p.m. He was the son of the late Govan Fox and Nursiss Davidson Fox.
A man whose hands were rarely still, Ron spent his life building, repairing, and creating. From 1970 until 1973, he served as a maintenance man at Oneida Mountain Hospital in Oneida, Kentucky. When the hospital transitioned to Manchester Memorial Hospital, Ron continued his work there from 1973 through 1978. In addition to serving as maintenance man, he was responsible for the hospital grounds, rental properties, boiler systems, and general maintenance. If something was broken, Ron found a way to fix it.
Throughout his lifetime, Ron was known as a gifted carpenter with countless skills. He built many homes, hung drywall, worked on oil rigs, and tackled nearly every type of construction project imaginable. Those who knew him rarely saw him without a hammer in his hand, always building, repairing, or improving something.
Outside of work, Ron found great joy in cooking outdoors. Few things made him happier than preparing a holiday meal. He got pleasure out of fixing a big pot of beans in his cast-iron skillets or Dutch oven outside over a fire.
Ron also had a lifelong passion for firearms. He enjoyed collecting, buying, selling, and shooting guns, always appreciating both the craftsmanship and the friendly competition they offered. Even during his time in the nursing home, he continued asking for his gun—though in later years he affectionately referred to it as his “hammer,” a reminder of how deeply building and working with his hands had become part of who he was.
In his younger years, Ron was rarely seen without his blue jeans and boots. He was known to fuss over his hair!
Motorcycles were another great love throughout much of his life. For decades, Ron embraced the freedom of the open road, often leaving on rides that would last for days. In his twenties, he survived a devastating motorcycle accident that nearly claimed his life. When doctors recommended amputating his leg, he adamantly refused to give up. Through sheer determination and grit, he recovered and got back on his feet. Although he gave up riding during the last fifteen years of his life, he never stopped missing his motorcycle or the freedom it represented.
Adventure seemed woven into Ron’s spirit. He was never one to stay in one place for very long and became well known among family and friends for packing up and moving—sometimes in the middle of the night—simply because he felt it was time for a new beginning. Over the years, he called many places home, including Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, and Missouri. Yet in 1992, Ron returned to his Kentucky roots, where he built another home and remained until his passing.
On July 21, 1986, Ron married the love of his life, Ellen Fox. Together they shared many years of marriage, life’s adventures, and countless memories.
Ron had seven children, Anita Fox who precedes him in death, Eugene “Moose” Stewart and wife Dixie of Oneida, Randall Fox and wife Charlene of London, Robin Owens and husband Dwayne of London, Leanna Myers and husband William of Richmond, April Whitehead and husband Wes of Manchester, and Ronnie Fox of Manchester; ten grandchildren, Scarlett Sexton and husband Jamie of Indiana, Jessie Wilks and wife Kayla of Pippa Passes, Lt. Randall Porter and wife Katie of Springhill, Robert Owens and wife Ally of Georgetown, Mariah Sirriah Myers of Richmond, Isabella “Mouse” Whitehead of Russell Springs, Madeline “Trouble” Whitehead of Russell Springs, Shea Myers of Richmond, Dorain Whitehead of Russell Springs, and Adrain Whitehead of Russell Springs; and Six great-grand children, Katie Sexton, Leanna Porter, Isabella Porter, Tucker Wilks, Walker Owens, and Jace Wilks.
He also had the following siblings: Josephine Fox, who precedes him in death, Fountain Fox who precedes him in death, Mary Lou Fox, Stella Mae Fox, Ralph Fox who precedes him in death, Kenneth Fox , Larry Fox who precedes him in death, James Fox, and Donna Fox.
His family will forever remember his strength, his stubborn determination, his willingness to help anyone who needed something built or repaired, his love of cooking outdoors, and the stories shared around family gatherings.
Though his hands are now at rest, the homes he built, the lives he touched, and the lessons he passed down will continue to stand as lasting reminders of a life well lived.
Ron will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Ellen; his children; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; extended family; and many friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23
May his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.
No Services will be held at this time.
