Robert J. Fox “Bob,” 84, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, departed this life on Friday, January 24, 2025, peacefully at his home. He was born on January 27, 1940, in Victor, West Virginia (Fayette Co.) to Bessie E. Lewis Fox and Elmer M. Fox.
Robert was a 1960 graduate of Ansted High School (Fayette Co.) where he was a 1st team All-State basketball player and helped guide the undefeated Highlanders to their 1st Class B State Championship. He also played TE on the football team where he had scholarship offers from Marshall and Virginia Tech. In 1961, he attended Beckley College (WV) where he also played basketball for the Blue Hawks. Later in 1968, Robert moved and settled in Martinsburg, West Virginia where he was employed by The General Motors Corporation until retiring in 1995, and eventually moving to Buckhannon, West Virginia where he enjoyed his retirement.
He was an avid collector of antiques and guns and loved Martinsburg Bulldog Football along with The West Virginia Mountaineers. Robert was a man of God and loved the Lord with all his heart. He was known for his kind heart, quick wit, and unwavering support for his loved ones. Robert’s infectious smile and warm caring nature left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was always there for those who needed him, offering a listening ear or sound advice without hesitation. His faith was his guiding light, and he lived by the values of love, grace, and service that he held dear. Robert’s commitment to the teachings of Christ made him a role model for all who knew him. His life was a testament to what it means to live with integrity, compassion, and humility. He believed in the importance of kindness, forgiveness, and the strength of community, and he worked tirelessly to embody these ideals.
Robert’s legacy is one of love—love for his family, his faith, and his fellow man. He will be remembered for the difference he made in the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know him.
Robert is survived by his loving wife, Sylvia Wegman Fitzwater Fox of Buckhannon, WV; brother, Edward Fox of Columbus, OH; sister, Elizabeth Fox Nichols of Hico, WV; sister-in-law Wilma Cole Fox of Lansing, WV; son, Joseph “J.R.” Fox of Scott Depot, WV; ex-spouse, Mary Jo McDonald Fox of Martinsburg WV; stepson, Stanley Fitzwater (wife Cynthia) of Belington, WV; stepson, Kenneth Fitzwater, Morgantown, WV; stepdaughter, Lisa Hulver (husband, David) of Buckhannon, WV; grandchildren, Amie Nicole Starliper (fiancé Damione) of Latrobe, Pa, Tessa Fazzini (husband Mike) of Clarksburg, WV, Alivia Shomo (fiancé Markus Ross) of Buckhannon, WV, Seth Fitzwater of Morgantown, WV, Raychel Fitzwater of Bridgeport, WV; great-grandchildren Tatum Hulver of Buckhannon, WV, Ezme and Hazel Fazzini of Clarksburg, WV, Paislee and Elizabella Fincher of Winchester, Virginia.
He is proceeded in death by his mother and father, Bessie Lewis Fox and Elmer M. Fox; daughter Stephanie Jo Fox Starliper; brothers Allen J. Fox and Mason E. Fox; sisters Shirley Fox Skaggs and Connie Fox Chapman.
Friends will be received Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 3 PM to 6 PM at the Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 6 PM with Danny Wagner officiating. In honoring Mr. Fox’s wishes, he will be cremated following the service.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstcliar.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
My Buckhannon publishes obituaries free of charge as a courtesy to the family. Readers can support our publication by becoming a premium member.
