He was born in Washington, D.C., on April 15, 1942.
Russ graduated from Gibbs High School in Knoxville, Tennessee. After high school, Russ enlisted in the US Navy where he held multiple positions throughout his 22-year career and retired as Master Chief Petty Officer in 1982. Russ had a passion for working and did not believe in retiring. He went on to Civil Service careers at Naval Air Rework Facility (NARF) in Jacksonville, Florida, the Department of the Army in Alexandria, Virginia, Naval Aviation Depot (NADEP) in Jacksonville, Florida and Thunderbolt Elementary in Fleming Island, Florida.
Russ was a lifelong man of faith. He was a member and served as Deacon of Island View Baptist Church in Orange Park, Florida for many years.
Russ was known for his dry, quick witted sense of humor. He loved to work and was often teased by his family for his frugalness. One of his favorite sayings was “A penny spent, is a penny wasted.” Russ enjoyed Civil War history, classic cars - especially the 57’ Chevy, old time Western shows, country music (“not that new twangy stuff”), Washington Redskins and Florida State Seminoles football. Russ loved a good home cooked meal of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and apple pie, topped off with his favorite Moose Tracks ice cream. Russ was most comfortable in his collection of Mickey Mouse and Life is Good t-shirts.
Russ was a loving, dedicated husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Janet Smith Fox, daughter Lisa Parrott (Joe), son Shawn Fox (Cindi), stepsons Brad Nitz (Aimee) and Christian Nitz (Tina), grandchildren Zackary Parrott (Monica), Garrett Fox, Mallory Fox, Connor Fox, Kendall Fox, Elizabeth Nitz, Caroline Nitz, Jason Nitz, Mathew Nitz, Casey Horton, Londyn Long and Brooklyn Horton.
A visitation will be held Saturday, June 24, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at
Beaches Chapel by Hardage-Giddens, 1701 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250,
followed by a Celebration of Life at 1:00 PM In the Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Russ’ memory may be made to Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at
www.hardage-giddensbeacheschapel.com for the Fox family.
Arrangements are under the care and directions of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME In Jacksonville Beach FL.
DONATIONS
Mayo Clinic , Jacksonville , Florida
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.17