William (Bill) Matthew Fox, created a legacy of service to the Rochester, Michigan Community. He was active in philanthropic endeavors as a major donor to DeLaSalle Collegiate, Rochester College, Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), Crittenton Hospital, the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, the Rochester Rotary Club, and Leader Dogs for the Blind.
William (Bill) Matthew Fox
Bill’s business acumen and success, as a Chevrolet Dealer for over 50 years, enabled him to give back to the greater community, which in turn gave him great satisfaction, fulfillment, and pride.
His proudest achievement was as the father to six children, as well as “papa” to 17 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren:
- Linda (Dr. H. Edward) Vallely; Patrick (Natalie), Megan, Sean (Jessica), Shannon
- Michael (1955-2004); Janelle (Jake) Herbert, Tenley, Michael
- Patricia (Michael) Stechschulte; Kevin, Kate (Brody) O’Connell, Maeve, Charlie (2017), Cooper; Maddie (Matthew) Butcher, Beau
- Dr. James (Jaclyn) Fox; Dr. Stephen, Peter, Julia
- Caroline (Vincent) Pavone; Kyle (1990-2018), Conner, Isabel
- John (Jennifer) Fox; Colleen, Daniel, Bridget
Bill Fox stands behind is family, including his son John Fox (holding the scissors), at a Ribbon Cutting in 2019 for Fox Chevrolet and Fox Toyota – photo by Michael Dwyer
Bill was the devoted partner and husband of over 25 years to his beloved wife Shirlee (Parker) and an integral member of her family, Ian (Heather) Crowley, Ayden, Alyssa; Sean (Jenna) Crowley, Eli, and Isaac.
Bill lived his life on his own terms and by his own rules. An incredibly devoted outdoorsman, he was an avid hunter and fly fisherman, sailor, pilot, Charter Member of Great Oaks Country Club, and snow skier. Bill turned countless friends and family on to these sports, especially at the family homes he created in Vail and Snowmass, Colorado for 40+ years. This was his “happy place” where countless amazing adventures unfolded with the people our “Cowboy Papa” loved most.
Fox’s Clam Lake home was his homage to his own father’s horse farm in Northern Michigan. A vast and beautiful retreat where extended family and friends could play and swim and fish and hunt. A place where the sun set over the lake after a long afternoon of fun and his favorite margaritas would flow.
Visitation will be Sunday and Monday from 2:00-8:00 p.m. with a scripture service at 7:00 p.m. Monday at Modetz Funeral Home, located at 100 East Silverbell Road in Orion, MI. The funeral mass will be Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Irenaeus Catholic Church in Rochester Hills. Bill Fox’s final resting place will be Guardian Angel Cemetery in Oakland Township.
Information Courtesy of the Modetz Funeral Homes
About Michael Dwyer
Bill Fox was the very BEST!!!