Maurice Fox, 91, died Friday, February 3, 2023, in Marianna, Florida. He was born to John and Ellen Fox in the small village of Redbourn in Hertfordshire, England, a coach stop on Watling Road which boasted more taverns than houses. He enjoyed playing cricket with the lads on Redbourn Common where the oldest recorded cricket match was played in 1666.
He passed into the Royal Air Force with flying colors and upon finishing his term, received his Engineering degree at Watford College, working as a Quality Control engineer, traveling to many countries. His career brought him and his young family to Long Island, New York in 1965. Throughout his life, he was a successful businessman, working in various industries: engineering, seatbelt and motorcycle manufacturing, government contractor and co-owner of a popular seafood restaurant in Sarasota, Florida.
Maurice was an avid woodworker in his spare time and created many wonderful items in his wood shop. He utilized his skills to make a scale model of a Harley Davidson motorcycle for his grandson Zack, which was featured in a popular woodworking magazine. Gardening was another passion, having propagated rose gardens while in England.
He was also known for his sense of “British” satirical humor, awful jokes, and tall tales which made everyone laugh.
Maurice was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ellen Fox; his wife, Rita, daughter, Sally Smith, son, Paul Fox, sister, Dorothy Holliman, and brother, Dennis Fox.
His survivors include: one sister, Margaret Rachwal (England); three daughters, Heather Fox, Dylan Fox (grandson), of Florida, Ann Fox, Christefer & Logan (grandsons), of Texas, Sharon Jernigan (husband, Rusty), Devon and Zack Jernigan (grandchildren) also of Florida; son-in-law, Ben Smith (Sally, deceased), Paul, Peter, Jamie and Hazel Smith (grandchildren) also of England; daughter-in-law, Mischael Fox (Paul, deceased), Samm, Holly and Delaney Fox, grandchildren, of Kansas; numerous great-grandchildren in England and Kansas; along with nieces and nephews in the US and England.
Funeral service will be at 3:00 PM, Friday, February 10, 2023, at James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel with Pastor Martha Hyles officiating and James and Sikes Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
