Fox was educated in the Belden School District during his youthful years. At an early age, he came to acknowledge Christ as his personal savior and joined fellowship with Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church in Belden, MS. Fox was employed by the City of Tupelo for many years. Fox will forever be held in the hearts of his wife, Vera Mae Gardner; three sons: Willie Fred (Jackie) Gardner, Jr of Dorsey, MS, Jessie (Ann) Gardner of Booneville, MS, and James Earl Gardner of Verona, MS; four daughters: Teresa Gardner of Tupelo, MS, Avery Jean Gardner of Chicago, IL, Mary (Mitch) Smith of Brookhaven, MS, and Betty Jean Gardner of Atlanta, GA; four sisters: Nobie J. (Oneal) Prather of Tupelo, MS, Mary A. (Richard) Billups of Verona, MS, Bernice (Rugg) Kimble of Nettleton, MS, and Christine (Waymond) Isby of Verona, MS; one brother, David Sampson, Jr. of Palmetto, MS; twenty-eight grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.