Claude Fox, Knoxville, Tennessee

[ARLIN]

We were saddened to learn that Mr. Fox passed December 1, 2007, at age 99. Services are this evening at Rose Mann here in Knoxville. He had a long career as an early powerboat racer, marine dealer, Chief Executive of the National Outboard Association, and in later years a remarkable photographer. Claude had an outstanding record of service in the South Pacific during WWII. He was trim and active in later years and never missed a local boat show, boat race, or Coast Guard event.

Claude's place was next door to the Knoxville Boat Club on FT Loudoun Lake. He arranged for use of the KBC grounds for many years for Dogwood Arts Festival Races and NOA time trials. Nearly all of the early Allison Boats NOA speed records were set there. In later years Claude would roam the grounds during races and time trials talking and taking photos that he later shared with everyone.

All think of Julie, wife of 37 years. O/B in the Knoxville News Sentinel.

 

[RedAllison]

FOX, WILLIAM CLAUDE - born October 20, 1908 in Andersonville, died December 1, 2007 in Knoxville. He was Knoxville's Pioneer Boatman, Knoxville's First Marine Dealer, a charter member of the Knoxville Boat Club and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary for which he was recognized as a Fifty Year member in 1990, and an avid boat racer. Mr. Fox was a veteran of World War II and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 37 years, Julie Anne Boykin Fox; brother, Glenn Fox of Jefferson City. There will be a service in celebration of his memory Tuesday at 6:00 P.M. at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel with Chaplain George Doebler officiating. Family and friends will meet at Tennessee Veterans Cemetery Wednesday for an 11:300 AM Interment service.The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Knoxville Boat Club, P.O. Box 50082, Knoxville, TN 37950 or Dogwood Arts Festival, 106 W. Summit Hill Dr., Knoxville, TN 37902. Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel.

 

[ARLIN]

The minister at the service last night read names of many famous people such as Bing Crosby, Billy Graham, and Elvis that Fox knew, had met, etc. along the way.

The names thing made me start thinking about all the names from the races and NOA time trials at the Knoxville Boat Club.....starting with Paul Allison, Bill Seebold Sr., "Doc" Arms, Ben Robertson, Sr., Glenn Reynolds, on to Darris and Nancy Allison, the late and great driver Joe Burggess, Dr. Chuck Rutherford, and the next generation Seebold and Roberston, and local East Tennessee drivers Larry Oran and "Nubbin" Winkle. Lots more famous drivers....and all the rescue and race officials, volunteers, fans.

And, memories of Julie Fox's constant smile as she tried to get the guys to sign up in the right classes. And, Chuck Rutherford putting a bandage on his own hurt leg to run the 2nd heat after he had flipped it on the first lap of the first heat. And, Paul Allsion leading the dicussion on obvious ways to get more speed. And, Glenn running a heat with 5 gallons of spare fuel in a jug left under the cowl behind the drivers seat. Ouch! ..the memories go on and on.