Michael Dean Fox

Michael Dean Fox, age 81, passed away on July 19, 2025, in his hometown of Lampasas, Texas.

Born on January 9, 1944, to Joe Henry Fox, Jr. and Bettye Jo Miller, Michael was a true Lampasas native through and through.  He graduated from Lampasas High School in 1962 and began a journey marked by passion, service, and a deep love for life.

Michael attended the University of Texas at Austin before transferring to Texas A&M to earn his Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences.  While working through the rigors of a credentialed education, Michael decided to take a right turn along the way and chase his passion for the game of golf earning his Class A rating as a PGA Professional.  His early career took him to Wildwood, Texas, where he served as the Director of Golf at the Wildwood Golf Course.  Eventually, a calling to ministry led him back to the classroom, and in 1987, he earned his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.  He went on to pastor churches in Ames, Iowa, and later at Dallas Brethren Church, serving faithfully for over a decade.

While ministry was a core part of his life, so were golf and his unwavering faith.  Michael stayed active in both, ultimately retiring as a golf pro.  He was a proud member of the PGA of America and wore many hats over the years - Master Electrician, woodworker, devoted gardener, caregiver, and lifelong animal lover.  He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Lampasas.

In 2006, Michael married Kay in Las Vegas, and for the next 20 years, they shared a life full of love and laughter.  He was a loving husband whose life with Kay was full of partnership and joy.  Together, they traveled, enjoyed movies and books, worked side by side in the yard, jointly accomplished many projects and cheered on their beloved Lampasas Badgers.  They made memories in the small moments - walks around the neighborhood, shared toddies on the deck, and time spent with those they loved most. 

Michael was known for his kind heart, competitive spirit, and gentle strength.  He was "FoxPop" to their cherished grandson Joe, a name that stuck and captured the warmth he brought to every relationship.

He is preceded in death by his father, Joe Henry Fox, Jr.; his stepmother, Doris Ann Fox; his mother, Bettye Jo Miller; stepfather, Ray Jones; his brothers, Winters Fox, Buck Jones, and Randall Jones.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kay Fox of Lampasas; daughter, Mitzi Gray; his son, Derek Hadden Fox; his sisters, Tammy Pollock and Sandy Holloman (and husband Bo); sister, Judy Bays; and brother, Rex Jones.  He is also survived by his beloved grandson, Joe, and Joe's father, Steve Dillard.  In addition, he leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. 

A memorial service will be held at Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel on Friday, July 25, 2025, at 2:00 PM.  Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories following the service.  A private burial will take place at a later date.

Michael's legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave so freely.  He will be deeply missed - and fondly remembered - as a man of grace, grit, and great faith.

In lieu of flowers, the Fox family requests memorial donations be made to First Baptist Church at 406. S. Walnut Street, Lampasas, Texas 76550.