Gilbert S. Fox

1920 - 2019

Gilbert S. Fox

Nashville - Gilbert S. Fox died peacefully on August 17, 2019 at the age of 98 at Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. A life-long Nashvillian, he was the beloved and devoted husband of the late Lois Kuhn Fox with whom he enjoyed 70 wonderful years of marriage. He was the proud father of sons Gilbert S. Fox III (Joyce) of Nashville, Tennessee; Lee K. Fox (Rosalie) of Dorset, Vermont; and Kenneth H. Fox (Laurel) of Charleston, South Carolina. He leaves adoring grandchildren Jenifer Fox Romps (Dennis) of Leesburg, Virginia; Dana Fox of Denver, Colorado; Karen Fox Elwell (Kenneth) of Littleton, Colorado; Daniel Fox (Iraina) of San Francisco, California; Nathaniel Fox (Gabriela) of San Francisco, California, and Hilary Fox of N. Hollywood, California. He is also survived by great-grandchildren Jason Romps, Zac Romps, and Dominic Elwell as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Natelle (Hirsch) and Gilbert J. Fox, he was predeceased by his brother George J. Fox.

Born on December 31, 1920, Gil attended public elementary schools and Duncan Preparatory High School in Nashville. He graduated with a B.A. from Vanderbilt University in 1942 and, having earlier volunteered for the U.S. Navy, immediately entered Midshipman School at Notre Dame and Columbia University, earning the rank of Ensign and then teaching navigation to new naval students. As a member of "The Greatest Generation", Gil was assigned to a newly-commissioned LSM (amphibious landing ship medium) as the executive officer and later commanding officer, responsible for a crew of 53 which delivered tanks to many Pacific islands during World War II. At Okinawa, his ship was under attack by Japanese Kamikazes.

Upon discharge after four years of military service, Gil returned to Nashville and married Lois, raised three energetic boys, and started a lifelong career in business, civic engagement, and philanthropy. Working for his father-in-law Lee Kuhn at Kuhn's Variety Stores, he was instrumental in building the family business into a large and successful chain of 5, 10 and 25 cent stores. In 1962, Kuhn's Variety Stores became Big K Discount Stores, a leader in bringing discount retailing to the Central South, with 122 stores in rural communities in Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri and South Carolina. He retired as Executive Vice President in 1981 with the sale of Big K to Walmart.

Retirement gave Gil time to follow his diverse passions which ranged from volunteerism to continuing education and travel with his beloved wife Lois. Gil took great pride in his Jewish faith and heritage. He was elected chairman of the Nashville Jewish Welfare Fund Campaign, serving also as officer and board member of the National Jewish Welfare Board; and he was actively engaged with a number of Jewish historical societies. In addition to numerous trips to Israel and participation in national organizations that fostered greater understanding of the Jewish state and expanded Jewish education, he was an engaged leader in the Nashville Jewish community. He served as President and Board member of the Nashville Jewish Community Center. He championed major fundraising drives and expanded membership through new programming and activities. He was also a lifetime member of Temple Ohabai Sholom where he served in numerous capacities.

With a commitment to the broader Nashville community through civic and interfaith action, Gil was also involved with organizations including the Nashville Chamber of Commerce, the United Way, the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), Grassmere Wildlife Center, and Music for Seniors. He was even known for grabbing his toolbox and heading to the home of other seniors who needed household repairs through the Shepard Center's handyman program.

Gil had a deep appreciation of diverse cultures, from experiencing their varied traditions, marveling at and collecting their exceptional art, appreciating their architecture, understanding their complex histories and sampling their unique cuisines. His most enjoyable trips were traveling with his entire family.

While a citizen of the world, he was rooted in his cherished family, dear friends, and the larger Nashville community. His numerous avocational interests included theater, music, golf, tennis, and playing bridge six times a week up until his death. His life was full, savoring it to the end and wishing the same for all of those he loved. He was the admired head of his extended family and will be sorely missed. A special thanks to Rose Reffegee, his long-time caregiver.

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Monday, August 19 at Temple Ohabai Sholom, 5015 Harding Road in Nashville. He will be buried next to his beloved Lois at Temple Ohabai Sholom's cemetery at 2001 15th Avenue North, immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gil's memory to Temple Ohabai Sholom, the Gordon Jewish Community Center (801 Percy Warner Boulevard, Nashville TN 37205) or Music for Seniors (161 Rains Avenue, Nashville TN 37203)