John M. Fox

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Apr 29th, 2016

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Death Date: Apr 29, 2016

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Biography: John M. Fox passed through Fiddler's Green on April 29, 2016 on the road to hell with his fellow marines. Perhaps the Valkyrie interceded and took them to Valhalla. Before retiring and becoming a cowboy, John was known as the Orchid Man and was manager of the family owned Fox Orchids, Inc., Little Rock. It was in this position that he was known for being a great horticultural talent and the subject of many local newspaper articles and television news segments. He was also known for not having the best people skills with customers. John also served as a corporal in the United States Marine Corps where he was a radio operator and morse code technician. He was born in 1942, in Little Rock. He is preceded in death by his daughter Wendy Fox Griffith. His brother David S. Fox. His parents Asa Standley Fox and Wenona Carolyn Fox. And the loves of his life, his quarter horse mare Miss Lacey Love and an Arabian mare Miss Raffe. He leaves behind his daughter Melanie L. Fox and her husband Glenn France, son-in-law Carl Griffith, step-daughter Jamie Thomason Houghton, nephews David Fox, Jr., Tim Fox, Tom Fox, and Tracy Fox, sister-in-law Martha Ann Fox and grandsons Weston F. Griffith and Parker J. France. As well as friends and horses from the Diamond TR Ranch. John was cremated and he suggested that anyone wanting to spend some money due to joy, guilt or gratitude; either take their family out to dinner or just buy something nice for themselves. John also requested that his hide be tanned with fine wine and made into a fine saddle so he will always be next to the two things he liked best in life, on top of a fine horse and underneath a pretty woman. Should John get to heaven, St. Peter he will tell, another marine reporting sir, I have spent my time in hell. A military internment will take place on Thursday, May 5th at 10:00 am at the North Little Rock Veterans Cemetery. There will be a gathering of family and friends from 6:30 - 8 pm at the Diamond TR Ranch in Perryville. Memorial donations can be made to the Humane Society of Pulaski County - Horse Fund at www.warmhearts.org . Online condolences can be made at Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com

Condolences(09)

Doug Reeves

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

John: such a soft spoken man, very little to say, but always with his horse or sitting in the chairs in the stable area. I gleaned many, many tips from John on horses, how to do something, he would encourage me when I was trying to get Tar to gait, he'd tell me when he was gaiting,where to purchase anything I needed for my horse, or get something fixed...a true cowboy in every sense of the word, I enjoyed our talks and his strong connection to his horses, rubbing their bellies, like a dog, etc. Our loss is Heaven's gain..someone has to take care of the horses our Lord is coming back on, I believe it will be John and his kind nature to the horses!!!!

Heather Larkin

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I didn't touch John's life - just another gal with a horse - but he certainly touched mine.I am grateful and blessed that our paths crossed. May they cross again on some great trail. God's Speed, John.
"Oakley's Annie"

Denise Hammons

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I am so sad to hear of John's passing. He was one of those people you expect to always "be". Be at the barn, be in the pasture, to be bringing the horses in, be available to help or answer a question, be quick with a dry comment, to be alive, and to be at the barn. I appreciated his watchful eye on my horses at the barn, as well as "most" of his advice. Yes, he frustrated me with a comment or two at times but when having received a compliment about something, particularly my riding from him I definitely felt proud because I knew those comments were rare as well as genuine. Thank you John for your advice, that which I asked for and perhaps some that I didn't. I am glad you are welcomed home by family and your mares. God bless.

Donald Harvill

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Mr.Fox sounds like quite a delightful character. My condolences, Melanie and Glenn.

Susan Carter

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I love and miss my gentle friend.

Cheryl Best

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I sat and had many conversations with "Mr. John" he gave me many words of wisdom how to do this or that with my horse and would say you never know until you try.
He knew every horse on the ranch and could tell you how your horse had been for the week, who they were hanging out with or if they had any issues.
He helped me in time of need when I had a sick horse that needed medicine daily along with Tom and Ray. I felt comfort that my horse was in good hands.
He made a lot of ladies cry when he passed including myself. I will miss Mr. John and so will all the horsed at DTR.
R.I.P my friend.

Roger Potts

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I can not attest to John's people skills with his orchid customers but during the time I knew him as a fixture at Diamond TR Ranch I found John to be a gentle soul whose droll humor made our every conversation a treat.

Steve Coop

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

John was a kind and gentle friend to my horses and good friend to me. His daily presence and watchful eye at the Diamond TR Ranch added to the peaceful nature of the ranch. I will miss him and his observations on horses, people, and the world in general.

Ellie Davis

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

To my very dear friend and caretaker, I thank you for every loving pat, peppermint, squirt of fly spray, and blade of fresh grass you provided me. You kept my pen clean, my hay dry, and my water bucket filled. You sat with me and kept me company every day and never missed a feeding. You gave my owner wise advice and coaching (I am most grateful for that!!) I could always depend on YOU. I love and miss you. From your friend, Ellie.

John M. Fox

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