Peter Fox

Peter Jay Fox, age 71, passed away on Saturday, July 6 surrounded by his family and friends at his home in Port Aransas, TX.  Pete was born on August 7, 1947 in Sandusky, Ohio and was the oldest of three children. In 1958, the Fox family moved to Corpus Christi, but Pete preferred to be in Port Aransas, where his grandparents resided and he worked every summer.

Pete was a decorated Vietnam War Veteran. From May 1968 to May 1969, he served with distinction while assigned to the 5th Infantry, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile).  During this time, his company was inserted into the jungles in the Central Highlands of South Vietnam, where they conducted numerous combat reconnaissance patrols far away from the protection of direct cover fire.  Recognized for his unique leadership skills and ability to complete missions under fire, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and awarded the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster.

After the war, Pete re-established himself in Port Aransas. In 1973, he married his wife of 45 years, Cecilia (Kucera) Fox. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&I Corpus Christi in 1974 and opened his first business, Marine Surveyors, INC. From there, he began selling boats for Western Gulf Yacht Sales, which he eventually bought in 1989 and renamed Fox Yacht Sales, a local business his sons run today.

Pete was an avid offshore fisherman. His first deckhand job was out of Fisherman’s Wharf in the 60's. He captained the “Puddin” in the late 70's and early 80's with owner and best friend, Fred Rhodes. As his children grew up and began fishing, Pete always had boats for them, including the family favorites, the “AlyCat” and the “AlyGator”. He loved fishing, and was dedicated to continuing the legacy of sportfishing in Port Aransas while mentoring the next generation of fishermen. When not fishing, he enjoyed hunting and working in the South Texas brush country.

Pete loved his family and put them above all else. He worked hard to provide for them and to instill in them his strong work ethic, while also teaching them both the importance of a good time and a good sense of humor. Later in life, he became “Papa Pete” and was never as happy as he was when spending time with his granddaughters.

Pete is survived by his wife, Cecelia Fox of Port Aransas; three children, Peter Fox (Tiara) of Port Aransas, Chris Fox (Shana) of Port Aransas, and Aly Gerloff (Dustin) of New Braunfels; three granddaughters, Hadley Gerloff, Whitley Gerloff, and Emory Fox; and two sisters Janet (Bob) Rice of Austin and Ann Fox of San Antonio.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Virginia and Dwight Fox.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 10, at 10 a.m. at St Joseph Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Got Hope Organization (www.thegothope.org) or Living Water International (www.water.cc) or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements Entrusted To:
Charlie Marshall Funeral Homes & Crematory
2003 W. Wheeler Ave
Aransas Pass, Texas 78336
361-758-3221