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Raymon Knox Pitzer of San Marcos transitioned from this life on the morning of Dec. 3, 2018, at the age of 78. Born prematurely on Jan. 25, 1940 in Monahans, Texas to Preston Knox and Vada Mae (Wylie) Pitzer; little Knox defied the odds and grew into a healthy young man who loved playing football as much as he loved books.
A fan of Westerns, history books and science journals alike, Knox was hungry for knowledge and took advantage of every opportunity that would earn him a ticket to college, including a successful high school football career with the Big Spring Steers.
He entered the School of Engineering at the University of Houston on a football scholarship in the fall of 1958, and worked nonstop to make it to football practice and classes with his best friend Danny Birdwell. It was Danny who would later introduce Knox to his future bride, Eleanor Dorsey whom he married Jan. 28, 1961.
In 1960 Knox began working for Thermon where worked his way up from shop worker to sales manager, and in 1967 he graduated from college. It was during this time that he and Eleanor had their two children, Knox Jr. and Kendra.
In 1973 he was promoted to Administrative Vice President at Thermon and relocated his family to San Marcos where he helped grow the small company into an international firm.
During the years that followed, Knox became known for his family barbecues, award-winning Chilympiad chili, hunting trips with friends, marshmallow fudge, and philanthropy work with the Rotary Club of Greater San Marcos (president from 1994-95), just to name a few. Professionally, Knox was granted numerous technical patents and he authored many technical papers and articles for industry publications.
But Knox was also known for his strength and compassion. He was a counselor and mentor to many of his friends and family. If you went out to eat with him, he would insist on paying the bill. He was known for his generosity and kindness by all.
Knox retired after 46 years with Thermon in March of 2006. He continued to be an avid reader and enjoyed traveling with Eleanor to see friends and family as well as the occasional trip to casinos in Louisiana and Las Vegas. Retirement also allowed him more time to spend with his grandsons, Jason and Joshua.
Knox was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Jim Pedigo and wife, Janelle, sister, Elizabeth Beck; and nephew, Jay Don Pedigo.
He is survived by his wife, Eleanor (Dorsey) Pitzer; son, Knox Pitzer, Jr. and partner, Michael Ivy of Austin; daughter, Kendra Harmer and husband, Richard of Kyle; brothers, D.V. Pedigo and wife, Bonnie of Midland, Kenneth Pitzer and wife, Ruby of San Marcos, Ben Pitzer and wife, Shirley of Montgomery; and brother-in-law Sonny Beck of Ranger and aunt Katherine Waller of Pueblo West, Colorado. He is also survived by his two grandsons, Jason and Joshua Harmer, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Contributions in Knox’s memory may be made to the Hays County Food Bank, Compassionate Care Hospice, 102 Wonder World Dr., Ste 307, San Marcos, TX 78666, or a favorite charity of one’s choice.
Knox’s life will be celebrated in the Pennington Memorial Chapel. Visitation is at 10 a.m. and the Life Celebration is at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019.
Arrangements by Pennington Funeral Home, San Marcos, Texas, 512-353-4311.
