Franklin D. Fox Sr.

Franklin Delano Fox, Sr affectionately known to his family as "Roe", left this earth for his heavenly home on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at the age of 88. He was born on October 18, 1933 in Oyster Point, Newport News, VA to the late Robert Edward Fox and Estelle Cary Fox. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Marie H. Fox, his brothers Edward R. Fox, Albert (Bubba) Fox, and Gene R. Fox along with his sister Edith V. Fox Eley.

Franklin completed high school and soon after joined the United States Air Force where he served for over 2 years. He chose to leave the military early for personal reasons, but was very proud of his time in the service. He often said "You can't go wrong in the military" to his own kids. After the military, he began working in the shipyard. In the shipyard, he worked scaffolding and sheet metal. Again, what he learned and practiced he carried through life. He was proud of his title "sheet metal man" and often used his craft in home projects. His last job was working for the U.S. Postal Service. Unfortunately, he suffered not one but two back injuries on the job, which led to him leaving on workman's compensation. The injuries were the cause of his back surgeries, which ultimately led to his lack of mobility and multiple spinal cord issues. Even without the full use of his legs and hand, he remained an independent man until his earthly journey ended.

Franklin always exhibited faith, strength, the unmatched skill of stretching a dollar and the capability to mess up a name. His unique ability to fix any household appliance with electrical tape or string will be missed. Although he wasn't a mechanic, he was passionate about cars and among his family was known as an expert advisor on car repairs. In his younger days he was known to at least attempt any repair, often with success, but not always. Throughout his life he was an supporter of his church, charity, and his family both immediate and extended. To meet him was to have an easy conversation with a man who only saw you as an equal and was known to assist before being asked. He went by many titles such as Frank, Roe, Dad, Pop, Grandpa, Uncle Frank, Uncle Roe, Mr. Fox. He could always be counted on for the honest truth, (even if you were not ready to hear it), solid advice, a forgiving and helpful hand, and the willingness and strength to fight what he perceived as an injustice.

He will be survived by his remaining sister, Juanita Wilson; his children Franklin D. Fox, Jr. (BJ), Rodney L. Fox, LaDonne R. Fox, James L. Fox (LaGreta), Jeffrey A. Fox (Tanya), and Darryl T. Fox (Alissa); the grandfather of Kenneth Lytle, Natasha Fountain, Antonio Lytle, Justin Wright, Kimberly Brooks,  Delano Fox, Denisha Fox, Darryl Fox, Tyrell Fox, and Trenton Fox; and great grandfather of 12 children along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and Godchildren.

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