Charles Daniel Fox

January 08, 1947 - July 24, 2016

Beloved husband, dad, grandpa, brother, friend, and teacher Charles (Chick) Fox, of Floyd, VA, passed away on Sunday, July 24th, 2016 while hospitalized in Salem. He is survived by his dear wife of 47 years, Linda (Grinnell) Fox and loving daughter Shelly Fox, son-in-law Justin Miller, grandchildren Madeline, Layla, and Alonzo Emmett and Lily, Gabriel, and Reuben Miller, sister Taffy (Fox) Boschetto (Al), brother Bill Fox (Francine), brother-in-law Robert Grinnell Jr., sister-in-law Karen (Grinnell) Buszczak (David), sister-in-law Lori (Grinnell) Houlihan (Mert), sister-in-law Wendy (Grinnell) Turner, Aunt Phyllis Altemann, nieces and nephews Rick, Jason, Taylor, Cameron, Kristen, Marissa, Aaron, Leah, Michael, Alicia, James, Jillian, Amanda, cousins, and many extended family and friends who will greatly miss his warm presence. Chick was an inspiration, living life to its fullest and truly appreciating each sunrise, each cool breeze, each bird, each hug, each smile, regardless of the physical challenges he faced as a result of living for 30 years with Sarcoidosis in his lungs. Through his love of life, deep spirituality, amazing intelligence, strong relationships, and incredible discipline, he worked his magic to gracefully keep the perfect balance in order to live the life he lived while also maintaining his health. Chick served as a medic in the Air Force from 1968 to 1972. Following his service, he became a middle and high school teacher and received Master’s degrees in History and in Labor and Industrial Relations. He was Teacher of the Year, an historian throughout his life, and a role model and mentor for many. Following his retirement Chick lived a joyful life caring for his grandchildren, traveling with his wife and friends, spending time with his family, being a Detroit Tigers and MSU fan, making jokes, and continuing to learn and grow daily. As dedicated Lutherans, Chick and Linda are members of Zion Lutheran Church in Floyd, where Chick gave and received friendship and spiritual support. Funeral services will be Monday August 1, 2016 at 10 AM Zion Lutheran Church with Rev. Linda Motley officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call after 4 PM Sunday July 31, 2016 at Gardner Funeral Home, Floyd, VA where the family will be from 4 until 6 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of several organizations: The Chick Fox Scholarship Fund at Eaton Rapids High School (please make checks payable to Eaton Rapids Public Schools, with the scholarship fund in the memo), 912 S. Greyhound Drive, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827; Zion Lutheran Church, 635 Needmore Lane, Floyd, VA 24091; Floyd County Rescue Squad, PO Box 257, Floyd VA 24091. Online condolences may be made at www.gardnerfuneralhomefloyd.com.

Heaven has gained a beautiful soul! Our deepest sympathy to Linda and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

To Linda , Shelly and family, our thoughts are with you and wishing you peace. Chick's constant smile will be remembered always. All our love to you.

Chick was one of the finest people I have ever met. Likewise with his teaching and caring for others. He was unmatched. Even though I feel great sorrow in his passing, I find even greater joy in the fact that I knew him and considered him a great friend. I will always having gut wrenching stories of things we concocted over the years. Every time we got in trouble, it wasn't always my fault. I promise, Linda, he wasn't the saint you made him out to be. He got me in as much trouble as I did him. Chick had one of the finest laughs ever possessed. Please note that he touched so many lives and made his mark that there is a special place in heaven for him. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Shelley and her husband and the grandchildren. Please know that I will always love Chick and all the good he did in this world. Love.

Linda, Gary and I am so very sorry. Chick was so very special. We know he is busy chatting up a storm in heaven, but we grieve with you and Shelley, that we won't see his smile or hear his laughter any more. He touched so many lives, as have you. Know that we're praying for you both, and shedding tears right along with you.

Deepest sympathy to Linda and family. We will all miss Chick and his stories around the campfire at Torch Lake.

Chick was such a kind and gentle man loved by all. I will always remember his face lighting up when he'd see his friends with his welcoming smile going from ear to ear. He was a great teacher respected and loved by his students. He will be greatly missed. With Love and comfort to his family, Cindy and Tim Moore

Mr. Fox you will be missed. Thank you for everything you taught me. I try to remember every lesson. Love and prayers, Kris

Chick was such a great man to work with at ERHS. He had such credibility with students and staff - and so often was the friendly voice of reason. A wonderful man has left us all too soon. Prayers and blessings to Linda and family. Barb Shimnoski

An amazing man and stellar educator! While we lost a wonderful man I know he lives through many more of us as he touched many lives and instilled a little Chip Fox in each and everyone of us in his own special way.

My deepest condolences. Mr. Fox was an inspiring teacher. His classes were stimulating because he challenged the preconceived notions of his students but he also showed that he cared about his students through his demeanor. He never belittled a student for making a mistake and always had a kind word and open door for those that needed it.

I can still clearly picture AP European History in the portable classroom and Mr. Fox all bright and shiny. He is one of the reasons I studied history in college and became a teacher. I hope I bring some of his smile with me to school every day.

Linda and family, Donnie and I were so sad to hear about Chick. He had the gentlest soul of anyone we knew.I know Donnie loved to talk with Chick about politics and history. Our prayers are with you and your family.

"Chick" dedicated himself to the teaching profession and to the many kids he worked with. His ever cheerful and playful, caring, and yet demanding ways succeeded with his students' LEARNING, sometimes in spite of themselves. He is loved by many and cherished as a friend. Few could imagine the levels of suffering that he endured most of his life. He made the very best of it, using his sense of humor very effectively. His passion is a HUGE loss for so many. Our love is with his family at this time. Jim and Chris Stiles former ERHS counselor

So incredibly sad to hear this. Mr. Fox was an inspiration to so many young adults. My thoughts are with his family, you'll be in my thoughts.

Your husband, father, and grandfather was a truly remarkable man. He was a dear friend and an awesome teacher. He gave so much of himself to so many. ❤ He made a difference. So many of us celebrate his life. Thank you for sharing him with us. Prayers and blessings to the family.

Mr. Fox was one of my favorite teachers in High School. He made it fun. Im sorry to hear about his passing. My deepest sympothy goes out to his family and friends. He was a great man. He will remain a great memory.

So sorry for your loss. Mr. Fox was a wonderful man, and it was a privilege to have him as a teacher. ERHS '00

I am so very sorry for the loss of such an amazing man. He was one of the favorite teachers and always highly regarded at Eaton Rapids Schools! He was such a blessing to many students and as well, I'm sure, to co-workers! What a special man, teacher, human we all had the pleasure to be inspired by! He will be dearly missed! God bless you and your family!

So very sorry to learn that friend and colleague Chick has passed away. He was an excellent person and educator! Grateful that he taught my children. Will be dearly missed.

My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Fox. I was truly blessed to have this man as one of my teachers in school. He was so caring and passionate about teaching and each and every student that walked into his classroom. His compassion for his students was an inspiration for me to enjoy my high school years and to never give up on my dreams and goals. As well as all of the laughter during drivers education. May you rest in peace and thank you for inspiring me in life.

My condolences to the family; Mr. Fox was a great man and one of the reasons why I went into education. He was a great inspiration and role model; he will be sorely missed.

Dear Linda and "Shelley-Noel" - I was in Chick's first 9th grade Algebra class at "ERI" in 1975-6...AND I was on the yearbook staff with him that same year...the same year Shelley-Noel was born...on or near Christmas! If you only knew how much he taught me...It was the last time I actually LEARNED any Math, due to his strong, loving teaching methodology. He was also a mentor for me when later I was at MSU learning to be a teacher myself. We met up with you later at the Great Lakes Folk Festival with the Smalleys and Carol Fogel....I continued to look for you in recent years. I am so sorry for your loss. Dear "Mr. Fox"/Chick - it's difficult for a former student to call you by your first name...but I've always LOVED that first name of yours! Please breathe easy now...and rest peacefully. Keep checking the Right ones and leave the incorrect ones...you always gave credit to the Positive. I love and miss you.

Chick Fox was an inspiration for so many of the people he came into contact with, myself included. He had an uncanny ability of reaching students from all backgrounds and made learning fun for all. The wisdom he shared about life in general and his caring attitude toward all will live on in all of us. Thank you for inspiring me to dedicate my life to teaching others and showing me how to bring out the best in everybody!

Mr. Fox...great teacher, much loved. Will be missed by so many. Condolences to his family.

Mr. Fox was a remarkable educator. He was my favorite teacher in High School. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. He touched the lives of so many in Eaton Rapids, and he will be deeply missed. I am truly sorry for your loss. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to know and learn from him.

Mrs. Fox, I am so so sorry for your loss. I got to know your husband a little bit from working in the Family Fare store. He use to say hi from you to me all the time. Me and my daughter Rachel have such wonderful memories from your class.. I pray the Lord with give you the strength to get through these hard days ahead. God Bless you, Linda

Touch of Love my Friend! GODs' Speed

So sorry. He was a great teacher and a excellent example of caring and kindness.

Linda, Shelly, and family, When I think of Chick I think first of his smile and laughter. We had such fun at Euchre parties and other Union Street gatherings. Chick was such an inspiration to so many- he goes forth as part of all of us. Linda, you and Chick were not only mentors to me as teachers, but as how to live a life and be a marriage. My deepest sympathy to you all. Chick is breathing easy now, but we all feel a hole in our space here in this life. Hugs to you all.

Mr. Fox was an amazing educator who taught his students to think outside the words written in their text books. When I went into education Mr. Fox was one on my main role models for how I wanted to conduct my classroom. I hope he would be proud of how I am educating the future leaders of tomorrow. Mr. Fox will be greatly missed by the many students who had the pleasure of sitting in his classroom. His infectious smile will live on as will his charismatic teaching style!

I am so sorry to hear about Chick. I have many wonderful memories of car pooling and teaching with Chick. You are in my thoughts. Jan Page

He was the kindest most compassionate caring teacher I ever knew

One of Eaton Rapids Public Schools greatest teachers ever! He made math easy and fun. However, his greatest gift to his students, he listened, helped, never judged and when he made you a promise, he did not break it ... ever. RIP Mr. Fox. Your students are mourning your loss.

Dear Linda, Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Chick was an incredible person who greatly impacted the lives of so many. He is missed.

Linda, so sorry to hear of Chick's passing. He was a great guy and teacher. He will always be remember for who he was, and all he did in this world, and that wonderful smile. God Bless you, and he will help you though this tough time.

I am so saddened to hear of Chick's passing! He was always one of my favorite teachers and had such a positive impact in my life. I have thought of him very often over the years. Blessings and Prayers to his family! Sincerely, Kelly Vandenbrink (Alsobrooks)

Mr. Fox was my very favorite teacher of all time. Even at the age of 34 he was the most positive man I have ever met. His eternally smiling face was a bright light to so many of us during the tough high school years. I had the blessing of working in his class my senior year. I learned so much that has served me well into adulthood. He was also my psychology teacher. He built a foundation of interest and understanding for the human brain and psyche. He brought in speakers who would have been viewed as 'different' but was so kind and taught us what that looked like...You will be missed GREATLY.

My heart felt sympathy to your family during this loss of Mr Fox. He was one of my all time favorite teachers in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. His wonderful cheery spirit always made my day. Even after graduation when I would see him around town, his smile was always infectious! He will be missed, may he rest in peace. ~Pamela

Nothing but good memories about Mr Fox. Rest in peace.

Mr Fox was the most remarkable teacher I have ever know. He inspired nearly every student who walked through his doors. I truly don't think I would be where I am today if it wasn't for this man. You will be greatly missed!

Mr. Fox you taught ma a valuable lesson I have carried throughout my life;it's ok to question what your taught. Your psychology class was a turning point for me, I learned to trust myself, my knowledge and my ability to problem solve. You helped me find a confidence I had never thought I could have. You smile and kind eyes are with me forever. You handed me my diploma but what you really gave me was so much more. I am forever grateful. I am only sorry I am saying this now....

Mr. Fox was by far my favorite teacher in high school. He made me realize I had more in me than I thought. I had to "run for president" in his class and he was the tie breaking vote that made me win. I will never forget that.

My sympathies go out to Mr. Fox's family and friends. I will never forget being in Mr. Fox's math classes in 7th and 9th grades. He was an incredible teacher who touched the lives of many.

I wish to express my condolences to the friends and family of Mr. Fox. To me, he was “THAT” teacher. He was that one teacher who made a difference. Mr. Fox was tolerant, yet firm. He earned my respect, and garnered my trust. I was in his 9th grade Algebra class so so many years ago. Thank you Chick, thank you Sir, it was my good fortune to have had the pleasure of being your student. Timothy C. Benson Ph.D. ER class of 80.

Mr Fox was always one of my favorite teachers. I can't think of a single memory of him without a smile on his face.

Please accept my sympathy! It's hard to believe that Chick is gone! He was a great teacher and friend. He will be missed by many! Joyce Griffith

What an awesome person and teacher, look forward to our paths crossing again one day! My heart felt condolences to the family.

Mr. Fox was an amazing and inspirational teacher. He was one of my favorites and one of the best I ever had. My condolences to his family and friends. The world is indeed a less learned place without him.

By far one of my most favorite people and teachers. I so loved the history conversations we would have, wow he knew so much about our little town! I'll never forget when he invited a handful of our Veterans into our psychology class to speak to us... you'll always be in my heart and in many many of my own little lessons to my own children. My deepest condolences from me and the Wyzlic family.

Linda, Shelley & family, I don't have the words to express my deep sadness about Chick's death. He was an unforgettable colleague and friend - he had the ability to really make teaching and learning come alive for kids and teachers! He was gentle, fun and full of caring. His love for his family was obvious and I will pray that you are comforted by a multitude of memories. Sending much love and many prayers.

He was truly an inspiration to everyone who knew him. I had the privilege of having him as a teacher for many years. I was also his aide as well for a year. He always had his students well being in mind, and went above and beyond the call of a teacher to enhance and better his students lives. Him and his wife (my elementary school teacher) are people I think about at every turn in my life. He will be truly missed and our hearts up here mourn for him as well. Even if we can't be there, his students will be thinking of him.

R.I.P. Mr. Fox you were a great teacher and I had the pleasure of having you in Middle School and High School, you were my favorite by fare. You touched my heart when you came to my open house and I never forgot that. You are now an angel to us all. Until we meet again.

He was one of my favorite teachers in high school. Such a wonderful teacher! My condolences to his family! He made an impact on so many lives! Prayers

Linda, Shelley and family, I am so saddened to hear of the passing of Chick. Such a kind, warm, positive person with a gift for teaching and bringing the best out of people he met. So many memories. Thoughts are with you and your family.

Mr Fox was one of my favorite teachers by far. He was a truly remarkable man to put up with teenagers all day now that I look back. He had a special gift to connect with his students. I loved his psychology class. He made everyone feel they had a purpose. I will definitely miss him! Heaven has gained an angel! My deepest sympathies for the family. God bless.

So sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Fox. He was one of my favorites! My thoughts are with his family.

Found out yesterday that my favorite teacher of all time, Mr. Fox, passed away on Sunday. Thank you for believing in me so I could believe in myself. And thank you for pushing me past my abilities. He was always smiling, always positive. And liked to say "I only give homework once a day." What a great, great man. He influenced so many kids. He will be missed.

One of the most influential adults in my life. He was an amazing teacher, mentor and person. I was blessed to have him for several classes including AP History. He made learning fun and you never doubted his passion for learning and his students. He absolutely helped shape the person I am today. I am so sorry for your loss.

So sad to hear of Chicks passing. I know he will be missed and thought of as inspiring and so much more.

Mr. Fox was such an impactful teacher and human being. His way of teaching in our 7-C Team inspired us all to do our best. I'm so thankful to have known him. He will be missed by all and I will never forget him.

I am deeply saddened to hear of your passing. You were such an amazing man, friend and teacher . You touched countless lives and were truly admired by so many. My heart and prayers go out to your wife Linda , your daughter Shelly and all of your family. You will be dearly missed , rest peacefully Mr Fox .

I was never fortunate enough to have Mr. Fox as a teacher, but that didn't stop him from having a huge impact and influence on my life. He was an amazing man and help me through transitions without judgment. I know I am not alone in how I felt as Mr. Fox. He truly was a wonderful mentor and someone to admire. His family and he will be in my thoughts.

Linda, We are sending our love and sincere sympathy to you,Shelly and the rest of your family. We have so many wonderful memories of special times with you and Chick over many decades, especially our recent visit with you in June which we cherish dearly. The world has lost an incredible man who touched so many of us.

I was saddened to read of Mr. Fox's passing. To him I would say thank you for having the heart of a teacher and making learning so much fun. I have the fondest of memories of seventh grade - more so than just about any other because of you and the great teachers of 7C. Rest in Peace sir, you were the best!

Linda, we are so sorry for your loss. Chick was one of my favorite teachers. He was simply an amazing man. He will be missed. We will be praying for you and your family. Lynn

I am so sorry to hear the news of Mr. Fox I remember stopping with the girls for trick or treating and being a favorite teacher of mine and Mrs Fox was one of my girls favorite teachers. Both have big hearts. I pray for the families heart to heal. May God lay his hands on them through this tough time. God Bless you all and R.I.P Mr Fox

I'll never forget my first day of ninth grade looking for Mr.Fox's history class. It was in a classroom called "port 1"??? I eventually found out that port 1 was a trailer- classroom that you had to walk out of the school to get to. Mr.Fox was very friendly and comforting to all the kids that couldn't find it. I'll never forget his laugh and smile. Rest in peace to an amazing teacher!

Linda and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. May your faith keep you strong during this time.

Linda, Shelly, and family. We share your grief for the loss of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. We will miss his bright smile and warm friendship.

Our most heartfelt condolences. I am in shock over this.

I am pleased that God allowed me the pleasure of knowing Chick. He is truly an inspiration to many, including myself. He is the reason my daughter became a teacher as his World History actually taught the class how to "think" not just regurgitate. He always listened to you as if it was the most important conversation around, and truly cared. All our love Shelly and Linda. You and the rest of your lovely family are in our thoughts and prayers. The world has truly lost a great, great man.

Linda...aka Grin, So very sorry to see that Chick has passed away. It has been many, many years since we have seen each other but you and Chick have always remained a special part of my memories. I read a lot of the messages in this guest book and I can see that Chick was one special guy in almost everyone's lives he touched. God bless you and your family In this saddest of times. Much love, Linda and Ken

I'm so saddened to hear of Chick's passing. He was my roommate at MSU and a great friend. He was always an optimist and full of life and humor. There will never be another like him.

What an honor it was to know and be taught by one of the greatest. He was such a kind man with a kind heart. It was clear what he was put on this earth to do... to inspire those that had the privilege of knowing him. He had such passion to share and had a way of inspiring those who were challenged by his teachings. Rest peacefully Mr. Fox. You were truly one of a kind. Keeping the family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Our sympathies go out to you, Linda, Shelly and the rest of Chick's family, on the passing of this wonderful man and great teacher. He was an inspiration to us all.

Linda, Shelly and family, we are so very saddened over your loss. Chick was a wonderful husband, father and friend. He had such a great sense of humor and I can still hear that laugh of his. Although he was taken too soon, we know he is resting in peace now. May HIS love help you during this difficult time.

Linda, Shelly & family, My memories are full of Chick's positive impact when we co-facilitated adult communications skills programs with Jan Page. Could their be a kinder, more impacting, male role-model than Chick? He touched adults as profoundly as the many 6-12th grade students he taught. One day a former ERPS student returned to the middle school to share with me how his adult life was going. I happened to ask him if he had a favorite teacher from his school days. His immediate answer, "Yes, Mr. Fox." I asked what class he had with Mr. Fox. He said, "Oh I never had him for a class. I had him for detention lunch." While I was paused, thinking about a reply, he said, "He treated me with great respect at a time I didn't even respect myself. His kindness made a huge impact on me. I turned my life around because of him." Chick made everyone he touched feel valued. His warm eye contact, kind smile & focused manner said, "I value you." Today, along with countless others, I feel both deeply saddened by his death yet extremely blessed to have been part of his life. May God bless you and your family & give all peace at this difficult time.

We were so saddened to hear of Chick's passing. So hard to believe that such a strong, spirited guy is gone. We both share many high school memories of Chick, his hilarious antics and big, big laugh. As a cousin, we'll miss him at family reunions. Linda, Shelly, and family, please know that you are in our prayers. We know that Toots and Harry received him with open arms and much love. Love you much. Jim and Jen.

Dear Linda and Family, Charlie and I were so sad to hear of Chick's passing. Our deepest sympathy and our prayers are with you all. Benjie

Please accept our condolences for your loss. Even though we didn't know Chick personally we feel like we did through Bill (Fox). Francine , Bill's wife is Jeanne's cousin.. We grieve with them for Chick. Love to you all in this difficult time. Jeanne and Vic

Chick was the man that Bill and I looked up to in High School. His legacy as a solid role model is well founded. Chick was a gentleman's gentleman and one of the most kind men I have ever met. Chick embodied what it meant to put family first. Chick will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace and be blessed by the grace of God.

We were very sad to hear the news about Chick. We laughed a lot together at MSU. He'll be missed.

Mr. Fox was by far my favorite teacher ever. He taught me how to truly critically think about things. He really instilled in me a passion for learning. He was such a loving, caring man. It was a true honor to know him. My greatest sympathies for you, Linda. You must take great comfort in knowing what an amazing impact he had on so many people. My prayers are with you for peace and comfort.

So sad to hear of Chick's passing. While working on our 50th reunion last year, I was able to connect with Chick and although his health prevented him from attending, I was able to stop by for a short visit and a delightful lunch last July. So happy to see him again after all the years. My fondest memory of Chick was the 2 weeks we spent traveling to Colorado to visit Fred Young in 1963. Unbelievable that we made it back alive. My kids have enjoyed hearing stories about "shoe box" Fox, he was one of a kind and will be sorely missed!

Dear Shelly, and family- I am so sorry for your loss. These life passages are huge and painful, and I am thinking about you all. Warmly- Cassie and Co.

Dear Shelly and family - my deepest condolences for your loss - I am in Africa so cannot come to be with you. Thanks for all you do Shelly - I am continually in awe of your hard work and integrity. Though I never new him, i am sure Chick had a lot to do with that. May he rest in peace, and wishing you well.

So sad to hear of Chick's passing. While working on our 50th reunion last year, I was able to connect with Chick and although his health prevented him from attending, I was able to stop by for a short visit and a delightful lunch last July. So happy to see him again after all the years. My fondest memory of Chick was the 2 weeks we spent traveling to Colorado to visit Fred Young in 1963. Unbelievable that we made it back alive. My kids have enjoyed hearing stories about "shoe box" Fox, he was one of a kind and will be sorely missed!

So sorry for your loss Sending love. Ed. Randye and family

I was so saddened to hear of Mr. Fox's passing. He was one of my favorite teachers in high school. He had a passion for teaching and was such an inspiration to others. He will be truly missed, but his spirit will remain imprinted upon the students that he taught. Praying for peace and comfort for Mrs. Fox, Shelley, and extended family during their time of grief.

Dear Shelly & family- offering my condolences. May you find peace in that your Dad lived a full and rewarding life.

May he rest in peace. Taffy's friend.

We are so sad to hear about Chick:( Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. We send peace, love and our blessings. Tim and Lori Thomas

Mr. Fox was an incredible teacher and an incredible person. As I eventually became a teacher and then a teacher educator, I often thought of and spoke of him as an example of excellence...not only in pedagogy (of which he was a master), but also in truly seeing and valuing his students with their full potential. I send my heartfelt condolences to his friends and family. An incredible soul with an unforgettable smile!!

Dear Linda, Our family was clearly blessed to have not only Chick as a wonderful teacher and role model, but you as well. From our early years at Humpty Dumpty, it was very clear that you and Chick were a loving couple with a true passion for teaching. It was SO apparent that you both were genuine in your love for people and children, a living example of the morals and values that we wanted to instill in our own children. Thank you for touching our lives and making a difference. Our love and deepest sympathy to you, Shelly and your grandchildren. Sincerely, Bob and Becky Southerling

I am so sorry for your loss, Mr.Fox was an amazing teacher! What I remember most about him was his huge welcoming smile, He was warm and so kind hearted. You could tell that he sincerely cared about the students, what a huge loss. My love and prayers go out to your family.