Robert D. Fox of Knoxville, Tennessee, found his eternal rest on Thursday, February 6th at the age of 89. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Jean Hope Sager Fox.
A graduate of Spalding Institute in Peoria and Purdue University's Class of 1957, Bob met Jean on a blind date and they were joined in holy matrimony on September 14, 1957. They quickly began to grow their family while he pursued a career in chemical engineering, moving between Midland MI and Virginia MN with Dow Chemical Company. They settled in Knoxville in 1975, where Bob's natural leadership abilities led to being named Vice President of Research and Development at the engineering firm, IT EnviroScience.
Bob taught by the example of his life the rewards of hard work and faith. After retiring in 1995, he and Jean enjoyed the fruits of their labors – their grandchildren, traveling and taking cruises, and lake life at Tellico Village. He was an avid and successful fisherman as proven by the hundreds of photographs of his catches and a 12 foot wall-mounted marlin. Bob kept a boat all his life until he couldn't and was happiest surrounded by his children and grandchildren at the lake or beach. Besides boating and fishing, he excelled at basketball, waffle making, jigsaw and crossword puzzles, and his family will long remember his loyalty to Purdue football and Cardinals baseball.
A man of deep devotion to church and family, Bob was a dedicated member of and frequent lector at Sacred Heart and All Saints Churches in Knoxville and St. Thomas the Apostle in Lenoir City. He devoted countless hours of his time and talents to his community, notably as founder and officer of the Purdue Alumni Club of East Tennessee, which recognized him with a Lifetime Service Award in 2014, and as a Grand Knight and Navigator with the Knights of Columbus, Third Degree Exemplification. He established the Lenoir City Knights of Columbus Council and was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for over 25 years of service and stewardship.
Bob inspired many with his enthusiasm for worship, his tenacious support, and a ready sense of humor. As father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, he will continue to guide all those who were privileged to have known him. Special gratitude and condolences are extended to his weekly lunch friends and the staff at NHC Farragut.
Born the only child of George Robert and Agnes Guinan Fox in Peoria, Illinois, Robert D. Fox leaves behind a distinguished legacy of seven children: Christina Dunn (John) Benitez, Teresa (Mark) Walther, Daniel (Irma) Fox, Michelle (Richard) Law, Gregory Fox, Christopher (Hope) Fox, Bridget Fox (Eric Daine); 13 grandchildren: Nathan (Mya) Dunn, Kendall (Kelsey) Dunn, Connor Dunn, Jessica Walther, Angela (Nagid) Brown, Danielle Fox, Mackenzie (Blake) Connolly, Chase Fox, Madison (Peter) Williams, Savannah Fox, Caleff Law, Mallory Fox, Emma Fox; and 13 great-grandchildren, Knox Dunn, Amelia and Savannah Johnson; Logan and Greyson Dunn; Aiden Walther Smith; Saiya Brown; Fox Fitzgerald; Theodore and London Connolly; Brady, Peyton, and Ivey Williams. He is preceded in death by a grandson, Takoda Law.
Services will be held Tuesday, Feb 18, 2025 at All Saints Catholic Church, 620 N. Cedar Bluff Road, Knoxville, viewing at 1:00pm followed by 2:00pm Mass, luncheon immediately after in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, please honor the memory of Robert D. Fox with a donation to the Unbound Charity or Purdue Alumni Club of East Tennessee.
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