Robert Michael “Rob” Fox, 59, of Satsuma, passed from this life on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at UF Health – Shands in Gainesville following an extended illness. Born in Cheverly, Maryland, he was a 1979 graduate of Crescent City High School where he played on the drum line. Following high school, Rob graduated from the Florida State Fire College in Ocala and began working as a firefighter / EMT with the Palatka Fire Department for 6 years. In 1985, Rob began a career with the Department of Corrections (East Palatka Division) where he developed their medical department. Rob then transitioned to the position of training officer and eventually became a sergeant, retiring in 2015 following 30 years of dedicated service. Rob was also fully certified in law enforcement and had supervised over 30 auxiliary members of the Putnam County Sheriff’s office. He also had been the long-time fire chief of the Welaka Volunteer Fire Department that he started working with at the age of 13. Rob had likewise served as president of the Police Benevolent Association (PBA). In his leisure time, he enjoyed collecting guns and target shooting. He also loved his Saturday lunches at “The Spot” with his buddies Wayne Smith, Ernie Dorsey, Ben Rich and Stephen Kittles. Rob was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hastings.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eldred Alvin Fox and Alice Ann Fox, a sister, Christine Bailey and a niece, Kimmy Bailey, sister-in-law, Carless Game and dear friend, George A. Davis.
Rob is survived by his wife of 31 years, Sharon G. Fox of Satsuma, a daughter, Taylor Marie Fox of Satsuma, his mother-in-law, Georgia Game of Palatka, brother-in-law, Thomas Game of Belton, TX, nieces, Christie Puhalla (Brian) of TN and Casey Bailey of MD, 3 cousins, Bobby Fox (Lenora), Patty Herold (Carl) and Faith Ann Hardy (Wayne) as well as several aunts, uncles and other cousins, dear friends, Pam Johns Froelich, Sherry, George, Brian and Ian Davis and longtime brothers of the “Black Sheep”.
Memorial services celebrating Rob’s life will be at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, September 12, 2020 at Johnson-Overturf Chapel in Palatka with Pastor Ben D’Amico officiating. The family will receive friends Saturday from 1:00 P.M. until the time of services at 2:00 P.M.
Flowers are gratefully accepted or memorial donations be sent to the Welaka Volunteer Fire Dept., 400 Palmetto St., Welaka, FL 32193 or to the First Baptist Church, 109 N. Main Street Hastings, FL 32145 or to HOPE FM WHIF 91.3, 3419 St. Johns Ave., Palatka, FL 32177.