Milton Wilfred Fox

Milton Wilfred Fox was born to Phillip Fox and Christine Peterson Fox in Parkville, MN.  He was predeceased by his brother Robert and his sister Margaret.  At age 18, he joined the US Army and was awarded an assignment with the Army Specialized Training Program, which provided college training in engineering. One of Milton’s classmates was Charles Schultz, the Peanuts cartoon creator.  

Following the war, Milton completed his college degree in mechanical engineering at the U of MN, where he also earned his Engineer in Training certificate.  Upon graduation, he moved to Houston, TX, where he began his career selling heavy construction equipment.  In Houston, he met the lovely Dorothy Lou Jennings in the church choir.  They married in 1952 and settled into a small garage apartment.  A year later, they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Leslie and two years later, their son David was born. 

Over the next 16 years, Milton’s career progression moved the family throughout the Southeast, including Charlotte and even included an assignment in his home state of MN.   In 1973, Milton returned the family to Charlotte, North Carolina to open Alpha America, his own heavy construction equipment business.

Upon his retirement from Alpha America, Milton and Dorothy began Drapes Etc., their own custom drapery business.  This allowed them to work together each day, with Milton creating the designs and Dorothy leading the sewing team.

After 17 successful years in the drapery business, they both enjoyed several happy years of retirement.  Dorothy’s health declined and she passed away in 2006, leaving Milton alone.

In 2007, Milton married Karen Dobbs, a lifelong friend of the family.  They spent 13 very happy years together, traveling, sailing and enjoying life until his death in 2020 at the age of 95.

Milton served as an Emeritus Elder at Covenant Presbyterian Church. He is survived by his wife Karen Dobbs, daughter Leslie Fox Erdman of Ringgold, GA, son David Ryan Fox of Houston, TX., five Grandchildren and 5 Great Grandsons.

A gathering of family and friends will take place at a later date at Covenant Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to the American Heart Association. 

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