William "Bill" Gordon Fox's Obituary
William Gordon Fox, known to those who loved him as Bill, Billy, Sweet William and the Giant Squid, was a beloved husband, father, grandad, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 90.
Born on May 1, 1935, in Greensburg, Pennsylvania to Ira William and Dorothy Lee (Petersen) Fox, Bill’s life was marked by his witty sense of humor, patience, clever wit, and saintly nature. He spent his formative years in Bartlesville and Tulsa, graduating from Central High School in 1953. He attended the University of Oklahoma for two years, where he played tennis before enlisting in the U.S. Army. After basic training at Fort Smith, Bill was stationed in Augsburg, Germany rising to the rank of Sergeant and continuing his passion for tennis while serving. Upon returning home, Bill completed his education at the University of Tulsa, earning his Geology degree in 1961 and continuing his graduate studies.
On August 17, 1968, he married the love of his life, Marcia Kay Chrisbens, at Christ United Methodist Church where he instantly became a father of two girls who thought he hung the moon; they believe they’re the reason he married their mom. His added blessing of another daughter came along, and the family was complete. He welcomed his son-in-laws with very few words and a distant demeanor only to be looking out for their best interest. He often joked around with his witty sense of humor that will keep us laughing for years.
Together, they built a life filled with laughter, golf outings, TU season tickets with their cherished 50-yard line and center court seats, St. Louis Cardinals’ games, countless family game nights and world travel. Memories with the grandkids included Coney Island, parks, and swimming at the country club.
Bill’s professional journey led him through Apache Oil and Cotton Petroleum before he founded Fox Exploration Inc., where he made his mark as a respected Petroleum Geologist. His quiet strength and sharp intellect were matched by his playful spirit. He was known for his legendary whistling, warm waves goodbye, and his daily ritual of playing three games of solitaire to predict the day.
He was a man of many passions: reading voraciously, solving puzzles, watching historical movies. His love for history was rivaled only by his love for his family.
Bill is survived by his devoted wife Marcia; daughters Cindy Johnson (Terry), Christy McKinley (Tom), and Michele Gott (Christopher); grandchildren Rick Johnson, Christin Gelso, Kaylee Ewbank, David Burwell, Michael Burwell, Amy Larwood, Hunter Fox, Natalie Gott, and Gabriel Gott; fifteen great-grandchildren; and nephews Chris, Gregoire, Philippe and Nicolas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, I. William and Dorothy Fox; sisters, Nancy Lee Ricker and Joyce May Dardel; brother in law, Norman Ricker and nephew, John Ricker.
Bill Fox will be remembered for his unwavering love, his ongoing humor, and the quiet wisdom he shared with all who knew him. He was, simply put, the best Dad ever.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at Floral Haven’s Rose Chapel. A viewing will be from 10:00 am - 10:45 am in the Rose Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bill's honor to the Alzheimer's Association at https://donorservices.alz.org/page/FUNZRKELQMQ?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=giving_google_SL&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1707986387&gbraid=0AAAAAD8nX1qBPAgmsBNse-EzHn-hcYkLr&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6c_9iouVkAMVKFR_AB29Vg9jEAAYASABEgJRsPD_BwE
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