Deborah Gaye Fox

Deborah G. Fox, 76, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025, at Grace Manor Home after more than 10 years of battling dementia and other illnesses. She was born in Hamilton, Ohio on November 23, 1948, and graduated from West Carrollton High School after very successful years. She took classes at several universities. Debby was a woman of strong faith and was actively involved at Central Baptist Church, Bearden for many years. Debby was a mother, grandmother, wife, and daughter. She was a beautiful person inside and out with a great passion for life. She loved bringing joy and positivity to her family and everyone around her, as she never met a stranger. Her kindness and continuous upbeat attitude were apparent even during her illnesses. Debby loved travelling and the annual beach trip with extended family. She celebrated every holiday with festive clothes and decorations, and she enjoyed including everyone. She also treasured making birthdays, anniversaries and other important occasions feel extra special. Debby had a generous spirit, giving gifts and “doo-das” to friends and family was one of her favorite activities. She will also be lovingly remembered for her infamous picture-taking and unrivaled collection of foxes. Debby’s faith and musical talents led her to be highly involved in Church choirs and solos throughout her life. She also had leading roles in many theatrical performances including Steel Magnolias (different roles at three theaters, including the Carousel Theater); The King and I, Broadway Bound, Fiddler on the Roof and others at the Clarence Brown Theater; Hello Dolly and Brighton Beach Memoirs at the Oak Ridge Playhouse; Best Christmas Pageant Ever and Annie at both the Bijou and Tennessee Theaters; and many more. She was an ardent and active member of the Knoxville Symphony League until she was no longer able and was very involved in Kids on the Block. She is preceded in death by her parents, George Lowell Seale and Mavis Seale, and siblings Steve Seale, Chris Seale, and Melissa Taylor. She is survived by her husband, William (Bill) Fox and children, Andy and Laurie Fox and Carrie Fox-King and Chris King and grandchildren, Anna Catherine Fox, Bailey Fox, and Grace Fox. The family is very grateful to Angela, Tisha, and David at Grace and Mary Moore and Carolyn for their years of care and support. We are also thankful for the kind care of UT hospice and Jasmine Mayes in recent years. A celebration of life will be held on September 14th at Rose Mann Funeral home, 6200 Kingston Pike with receiving of friends at 3 pm and a celebration service at 4:30. A reception immediately follows from 5:30pm-8:30pm in the Phoenix Room at Bistro by the Tracks, 5448 Homberg Drive. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Tennessee Alzheimer’s Association.

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Deborah Gaye Fox

November 23, 1948 - August 20, 2025