Robert Franklin Fox

1943 - 2023

Robert Franklin Fox, 80, died Dec. 1, 2023, in his home in Clearwater, FL. He was born October 7, 1943, in Lincolnton, NC, and is predeceased by his parents, Ralph Thomas and Evelyn Lane Fox of Newton, NC, and his brother, Gary Wayne Fox.

Robert (Bob) graduated from Newton-Conover (NC) High School in 1962 and Lenoir Rhyne University in 1966. He was a successful mortgage banker for many years. During his tenure in the residential finance industry, he held various sales and management positions, receiving numerous awards for salesmanship and developing new initiatives for the ever-changing industry. He was a visionary, pioneer, and knew how to navigate constantly changing regulations. His sense of adventure never faded and in retirement, he transitioned to armed security guard positions and captained for a boat delivery service.

Bob's hobbies and interests were numerous. He thrived on pushing the envelope, taking calculated risks, and appreciated a great car. As a younger man he won many trophies at sports car events, predominantly racing his Porsches. He purchased the 7th Porsche 914-6 to enter the US. After closing a large mortgage banking deal in the 1980s, Bob drove home in a new DeLorean. He toured locally on his Honda Rebel motorcycle.

Bob's happiest times were sailing his Cal 31, "Little Feat", for 30 years on the Chesapeake Bay, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic Ocean between Florida and Virginia plus adventures to Mexico, Belize, and Cuba. He also organized hunting trips (wild boar, deer, and geese) and had longed to participate in the Everglades search for pythons.

His love of the great outdoors was peacefully enjoyed during time spent in his McCall, Idaho, condo. He cherished the mountain scenery and remained active skiing, hiking, and biking. He travelled extensively both domestically and internationally, by land, water, and air. His last major purchase was a 2002 Roadtrek 2000 (mini-RV). Always a planner, he was organizing a road trip to all the National Parks, even attempting to negotiate borrowing a canine Belgian Malinois as his companion for this excursion. He also wanted to return to Turkey to further explore Ephesus and other archaeological sites.

Bob loved spending time with friends and family, often entertaining them on the boat and at home. He frequently hosted great southern meals ending with his favorite dessert - banana pudding. He charmed his guests with stories of his many escapades and always told great (in poor taste) jokes and one liners. Bob, a staunchly patriotic veteran, believed in God and Country, with little patience for anyone who didn't agree with his views.

Bob was fascinated by his daughter, Tricia, from birth in 1972. He demanded to be in the delivery room when that was generally not allowed. As she grew, he marveled at her femininity, wits, determination, competitiveness, and creativity. He encouraged and provided her with every opportunity to develop into an outstanding adult, just as his parents had done for him. The father-daughter bond was strong with mutual admiration and love.

Bob leaves his beloved daughter, Patricia Lane Fox (Josh Schoenberger), grandchildren AJ and Shayne Schoenberger of San Diego, and Patricia Brown Fox of the home; uncle Max L. Fox; sisters-in-law Janet Shell and Mary Alissandratos; nephews and niece Dr. Scott Shell (Andrew Masuda), Jaclyn Shell, Brian Shell (Kash), Andrew, Michel, and Jared Alissandratos; and great niece Porter Masuda-Shell.

A celebration of life will be held at the Clearwater Yacht Club on January 6, 2024, from 2-4pm. Memorials may be made to one of the charities that Robert supported: The Parkinson's Foundation, Alzheimer's Association, Boys Town, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, or the Republican Party.