Jerry William Fox, Sr.

Funeral Services for Mr. Jerry William Fox, Sr.  will begin Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home chapel with Reverend Jerry Stokes officiating. Interment will follow Naval Military Honors and graveside rites at Big Oak Church Cemetery located at 4889 Old Jackson Rd, DeKalb, MS 39328. The Fox family will receive guests from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Friday, September 4, 2026 at the funeral home. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

It is with deep felt sadness we announce the passing of Jerry William Fox, Sr., 84, of DeKalb, Mississippi, on August 31, 2026. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, young Jerry later moved to a rural farm in Cuba, Missouri where he was raised by his parents and he later graduated high school.

Jerry answered the call to serve his country at 17 years old, enlisting in the United States Navy, where he traveled the world and earned multiple commendations for his leadership and unwavering service. He rose to the rank of Commander before retiring from the Navy in 1988, after which he continued his career in aviation maintenance contracts.

Even after hanging up his uniform, Jerry’s heart for service never faded — in retirement, he co-founded the Volunteers in Mission Ramp Ministry (now renamed as the East MS Ramp Ministry), generously giving his time and resources to help so many people in his and other surrounding communities. He saw a need, he lit a fire with the help of other faithful servants, and the Ramp Ministry became a reality, and has held steadfast for 35+ years.

Faith was the anchor of Jerry’s life. As a devout Christian, he led his life with the Lord in his heart always, living out his beliefs not just in word but in his actions. “Lip Service without works, means nothing.”

Anyone who knew Jerry knew his playful spirit. He never met a stranger, greeting everyone he encountered like an old friend, and that warmth drew people to him wherever he went. He was, above all, a family man — a resolute father, a doting grandfather, and a playful great-grandfather who adored his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, cherishing the summers spent together in Tennessee and Mississippi. He loved nothing more than bragging about them to anyone who would listen — and they loved bragging right back about him.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 64 years, Donna Fox, whom he married on September 9, 1961; his children, Lisa Surbrook (Steve) and Jerry Fox, Jr. (Sherry); his grandchildren, Eric Pace, Erin Pace, Stephon Fox, Jessie Fox (Kat), Elizabeth Abeles (Joshua), and J. Fox (Talisha); his great-grandchildren, Christian Gettings and Gracie Anderson, Vaught Pace and Ruthie Pace, Clementine Fox, Dahlia Abeles and Dorian Abeles, and Amelia Fox; his brother, Chester Fox (Theresa); and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and life-long friends who were not “family” by blood, but through love.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Donald P. and Dorothy C. Fox; his paternal grandparents, Chester and Olivet Fox; his maternal grandparents, Sam and Rose Clark; his sisters, Betty Jo Price and Betty Jane King; his sister-in-law, Paula Ferris Weed; his son, Donald “Donnie” Fox; and his granddaughter, Rebecca Fox.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the following: University of Mississippi Medical Center, Methodist Rehabilitation, Baptist Hospital, Quality Hospice, and Dr. Frank Harman.

Jerry’s steadfast faith, playful heart, and lifetime of service to his country, his community, and his family will not be forgotten. We often heard him say, “To whom much is given, much is required.” Jerry took that to heart through his love for God, his country, his family, and his community.

As a final parting to the past, present, and future United States Military Navy Sailors and beloved shipmates, Retired Commander Jerry W. Fox, Sr. salutes you and your service to our country. “Keep on, Keeping on.” He loved you all.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a tax-free donation to East Mississippi Ramp Ministry, P.O. Box 541 Collinsville, MS 39325. 

Online condolences may be expressed at robertbarhamffh.com.