The Belmont UMC Trust Fund recently received a very generous gift from the estate of Jean and Craig Fox. Jean and Craig were very active and devoted Belmont UMC members; his parents, Herman and Ruth Fox, were also Belmonters. Craig served in the Korean War as an armored tank commander. He and Jean met at MTSU and were married for 66 years; they were totally devoted to each other. Jean was a beloved Metro Schools elementary teacher for 36 years. Craig never met a stranger and was a car salesman extraordinaire who worked for numerous Nashville Chevrolet dealerships.

Jean and Craig were charter members of the Graham Inquirers class. Class members shared how much fun they brought to the class. Craig had a great sense of humor and was the class song leader. He also served as a Worship Usher and is remembered as a man of total integrity. Jean taught Sunday school at Belmont for many years. She is remembered as one who was loved by her students for her sincere interest in them. Jim Strickland shared that he enjoyed Jean’s active participation in two Disciple Bible study courses. Most of all, Graham Inquirers class members shared how Jean and Craig were friends to all, remembering their young friend, Keenan Creppel, who attended church with them for many years.

Craig and Jean suffered great heartache when their only daughter, Renee, died suddenly in 2010 at the age of 51. Renee was a revered and cherished Algebra teacher at McGavock High School. McGavock students were Renee’s children; she gave her all to them. She was teacher, tutor, field trip chaperone, club sponsor, and counselor. Jean, Craig, and Renee were a very close family. Jean and Craig were devastated by Renee’s untimely death, and Belmont surrounded them with love.

Jean died after a lengthy illness at the age of 90 in 2021. Craig died at the age of 89 in 2023. For three generations, the Fox family made Belmont UMC and Nashville a better place. We celebrate their lives and are thankful for their many gifts.