Charles Fox Jr.

Charles W. Fox Jr. VIRGINIA BEACH - It is with great sadness that the family of retired Cmdr. Charles W. Fox Jr. announces his final assignment June 23, 2009. Charles was born July 3, 1930, in Washington, D.C., to the late Vice. Adm. Charles W. Fox and Aida Smith Fox. He was raised in Harrisburg, Pa. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he was commissioned June 3, 1953. He served on the USS Bennington, USS Ticonderoga, USS Thaddeus and in 1959 went to his first shore duty tour as instructor at Fleet Sonar School, Key West, Fla. His next sea assignment was the USS Hissem as executive officer. In 1960 he was assigned to commander, Middle East Forces, Saudi Arabia followed by instructor duty at the U.S. Naval Destroyer School. His next assignment was as executive officer of the destroyer USS JP Kennedy (DD-850) followed by assignment to Defense Intelligence School and a tour as head of an intelligence section at Commander in Chief Atlantic. His next sea tour was as commanding officer USS Forrest Royal (DD-872) stationed in Mayport, Fla. He was later assigned as chief of staff to Commander Task Force 115, Republic of South Vietnam. It was at this command that he was cited for bravery and awarded the Bronze Star. His last active duty assignment was as assistant chief of staff for intelligence at Anti-Submarine Forces Atlantic. After his retirement in 1974, his valuable experience led him to employment with a number of companies that provide support for the Navy. His last employment prior to retirement was with Advanced Technology Inc., working in Saudi Arabia in support of the Royal Saudi Naval expansion program. His loving wife of 26 years, Ingrid (formerly Ingrid Thon) preceded him in death seven years ago. He is survived by his three daughters and their spouses, Denise and Mickey Boyette, Paula and Craig Livernois, and Glenda and Hubert Smith; grandchildren, Heather Jones, Lauren Boyette, Brittany Boyette, Jenna and Christopher Livernois, and Lexi and Cassie Smith; three great-grandchildren; a sister, Mary Ellen Fox; and two nephews, Chris and Bob Wydler. He was preceded in death by a sister, Virginia Wydler. Friends and family will be received Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Graham Funeral Home, 1112 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake. Commander Fox's burial will be held at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Hampton VA Medical Center Hospice Program, 100 Emancipation Drive, Hampton, VA 23667. Please share a memory with the family at www.grahamfuneralhome.com.