Oliver Livingston Fox, Jr. “Red Fox”, 90, of Okeechobee, Fla., graduated to glory on December 5, 2021 leaving behind a legacy of service. He was born August 8, 1931 in Four Holes, South Carolina to parents Ahmetta Parish Fox and Oliver Livingston Fox, Sr. He attended primary schools in Holly Hill, SC. Oliver graduated from the Citadel in Charleston in 1959 where he was a star baseball pitcher and went on to play in the minor leagues. He served in the United States Army stationed in Germany during the Korean War. Upon returning stateside, he worked at the NASA space centers at Cape Canaveral and in California as an electrical engineer on the Apollo Missions.
He first came to Dunklin Memorial Camp in 1965 seeking sobriety and finding a Savior. He became a permanent part of the family and staff upon his return in the 1980’s. Anything around the Camp that needed maintenance or fixing was his domain. For many years, he was the chief operator for all things electrical, plumbing, and water treatment related. He could be found making his renown cheese bread before daylight in the bakery, taking water samples in the afternoon, and answering the call to fix a defunct air conditioner in the middle of the night.
Among his hobbies were building model airplanes, restoring vintage cars and boats, and tinkering with about anything mechanical. In his younger years, he was a certified Arthur Murray ballroom dance instructor and continued to enjoy the dance floor well into his seventies. He was also fond of cats and most children -affectionately known as “Grump-Pa” to some. His gruff exterior, and at other times downright orneriness – belied a heart of gold. With that heart, he loyally served his Savior and the Dunklin community faithfully for over forty years.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ahmetta and Oliver Livingston Fox, Sr.; Sisters: Vivian Barton, Vallie F. Williams and special friend Theresa Campbell.
He is survived by his daughter: Nina Baldwin (Daryl Burchfield) of Melbourne, FL; Niece: Debby Austin, Nephews: Hamilton Williams and Barry Williams; several cousins all of Holly Hill, SC. Best friend Zan Herbert of Richardson, TX ; and thousands of Dunklin staff and alumni whose lives he impacted. He will be deeply missed.
Special thanks to his primary caregivers in his later years Todd and Katrina Mercer.
Posted in: Ticket Submission
Posted on: 2022-01-04
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