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Orville Fox Obituary
Orville Fox was born on March 27, 1940, to Joseph and Inez Fox in Callisburg, Texas. In 1965 he married the love of his life Maxine Cogdell and they had one daughter Carol. He is survived by his wife and daughter and son-in-law Paul Whitmer, of Lubbock; siblings, Joe Carroll and Kay Fox of Richardson, Texas, Linda and Tommy Malone of Wills Point, Texas and Larry Fox of Houston, Texas. He was additionally survived by many nieces and nephews.
Orville Fox graduated high school from Gainesville High School and received his bachelor's degree from the University of North Texas and earned two master's degrees from Texas Tech University. He taught math for over 40 years with the Lubbock Independent School District and South Plains College and coached and refereed LISD football throughout the 1970s and '80s. He continued to be involved in high school football for another 2 decades. Known as Coach Fox by the community, he loved every student he taught. Years afterward, no matter where he went, he would recognize former students and call them over by name to ask about their lives. Seeing them always brought a smile to his face and he was very proud to see them succeeding in life. His honesty and generosity will not be forgotten.
In his leisure time, he loved working outdoors, gardening, and playing bridge with his friends. He was a long-time member of First United Church in Lubbock.
Thank you to Dr. Brad Snodgrass and the staff for the care provided over the years.
There will be a service held on Saturday, January 8th at 10:00 AM at Lake Ridge Chapel. Unfortunately, due to Covid, the service will only be for the family. The service will be live-streamed here on this page so that friends of Orville will be able to attend virtually. You are encouraged to sign the virtual guestbook and share memories and expressions of sympathy.
Memorials
In lieu of flowers, the family of Orville Fox has suggested memorial contributions be made to Second Helpings at First United Methodist Church. 1411 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79401.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Pamala Blakely Plechus
August 19, 2022
I am the granddaughter. Of Edna Fox Kitchens. We lived in Lubbock for a while. I was in the 7th grade. Orville Fox was my Math teacher. He took me through math and beyond. I absolutely adored him. He was a wonderful teacher and person. I wish I had seen him later in life. God Bless him and so happy he is with the Lord. Praise God.
Stanley Scott
January 7, 2022
Coach Fox and I coached together at Mackenzie JH in the late 70's. He was a great friend and mentor. I still remember when we worked the UIL Regional Cross Country Meet. It was snowing and cold and we had tabulate the order of finish.
Chip Lynn
January 7, 2022
I want to start by saying ditto to everything Randy Crimmins wrote. Coach Fox taught me two very important lessons that have served me well. 1. The big stuff is determined by how well you do the little stuff. 2. How to do the perfect push-up. Both served me well during my 36 year career in the Army. Thanks Coach, tell Jesus I say Hello.
Jane and Kenneth Trent
January 6, 2022
We have had a long and valued friendship with Maxine and Orville. Throughout their lives they have been examples of honorable behavior to their friends and students. Both are much loved, and Orville will be much missed.
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Randy Crimmins
January 5, 2022
I think of Coach Fox every time I hear Okie from Muskogee. We sang it after every win coming back on the bus our 9th grade year at Mackenzie. We went undefeated that year so we got to sing it a lot. It always brings a smile to my face and reminds me of what a great coach, mentor and man he was. He taught us to always say, Yes, Sir or No, Sir and not to make excuses. He taught a bunch of 14 & 15 year olds the things that really mattered and stay with you a lifetime. And he always remembered us. I'm 57 years old and moved from Lubbock 35 years ago, but still have family there and if they ever ran into Coach, he'd always ask about me. Coach Fox had such a tremendous influence on my life and so many others. What a legacy he leaves. Enjoy it up there, Coach, where even squares can have a ball. RIP
Kim Coulter
January 5, 2022
Coach Fox was feared as our coach when we were kids and beloved for the man he was as we all got older. R.IP. Coach you were our favorite.
Neal Turner
January 5, 2022
Coach Fox was one of the greatest influences in my life. His attention to detail and bringing out the best I could muster served me well my entire life. He coached our team to a city championship in 1972 and I still think of him regularly. I remember walking off the field and trying to hoist Coach Fox on our shoulders. We couldn´t get him picked up and Gary Staley said "no wonder your wife put you on a diet". I still belly laugh every time that comes to mind. He´s probably in Heaven hollering "two lines". If you ever played for him, you´ll know exactly what that means.
K. Landress
January 3, 2022
I had Mr. Fox as a teacher at Alderson Jr. High in about 1962 or 63. I remember how much fun he was and how much I liked him. I´m so sorry for your loss.
Janie Kitten
January 1, 2022
Maxine and Carol, I am so sorry. Orville was a good man. He taught our two boys at Monterey High School and they always liked him so much and thought so highly of him. I will let them know. They are both in their forties now but I know they remember him well. You will be in my prayers. I also enjoyed teaching with you at Arnett. God bless you. Janie Kitten, Jefferson City, MO
Cindy Johnson
December 31, 2021
I´m so sorry to see your husband had passed away. I´ll be praying for you and Carol. I have fond memories of teaching with you.
Judy Braun
December 31, 2021
It was a pleasure to work with him.
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6025 82nd St, Lubbock, TX 79424
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