Clay Dean Fox

Clay Dean Fox, 95, died Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at BellaRose Nursing and Rehab in Garner.

A native of Oakley, Clay was born in Asheville, NC to the late Lloyd and Lydia Staton Fox. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Searcy Fox and son, Captain Ernest Wayne Fox, USCG; four brothers (Charles, Staton, Sr., Graham and Lloyd) and two sisters (Katie Lee and Vikki).

Clay retired as the Director of Training for the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and was an Army veteran of the Korean War. During his career with the Highway Patrol, Clay served in many areas across the state with stations in High Point, Elizabeth City and then as Director of Training in Chapel Hill and Garner. He was a winner of The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina's highest civilian honor, but was especially proud of his service in the Patrol in many roles over his 30 years of service.

Clay was also a devout Christian and loved the Lord, having been a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Chapel Hill where he also served as a deacon.

He is survived by his son, Joseph Dean Fox and wife Carol of Garner, NC: daughter-in-law, Marty Fox; grandchildren Adena Ross, Chris Stancil and Brad Stancil; six great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

At his request, he will be cremated. His visitation and gathering to celebrate his life will be held on Friday, March 6 from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 1200 Benson Road, Garner, NC 27529.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the loving care and support provided by Always Best Care Senior Services, BellaRose Nursing and Rehab and most especially to his longtime caregiver, Frances. Our appreciation for Frances' loving care and attention to his care over the last several years cannot be expressed in words.