VAN WYCK, SC –– Reverend Jimmy Loyd Fox, 87, peacefully entered his Heavenly home on Sunday, July 12, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on April 26, 1939, he was the son of the late Loyd Fox and the late Louise Wolfe Fox.

For more than sixty years, Rev. Fox faithfully answered God's call to ministry, dedicating his life to preaching the Gospel, shepherding God's people, and sharing the love of Jesus Christ. After earning his Master of Divinity with Languages from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, he began his ministry in 1964 and served with humility, compassion, and unwavering faith, touching countless lives through his sermons, prayers, and personal encouragement. Whether standing behind the pulpit, visiting a church member in need, or offering a kind word to a stranger, Rev. Fox lived out the message he so faithfully proclaimed.

From 2014 until 2020, Rev. Fox served as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Lancaster, where he lovingly guided his church family with wisdom, grace, and a servant's heart. Throughout his faithful service in ministry, Rev. Fox was deeply committed to reaching others with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His heart for evangelism led him to help establish a bilingual ministry partnership to minister to the growing Hispanic community, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion, inclusion, and unwavering faith. His greatest joy was seeing lives changed through Christ, and he remained steadfast in his commitment to making God's Word known to all.

Throughout his ministry, Rev. Fox faithfully served churches in York, South Carolina; Pembroke, North Carolina; and Damascus, Maryland. No matter where the Lord called him, he poured his heart into the people he served, leaving behind churches strengthened by his faithful leadership and genuine love for others. During his time in Pembroke, he also faithfully served as the BSU Chaplain, ministering to and encouraging college students as they grew in their faith.

Rev. Fox had a deep passion for investing in the lives of others, especially young people. He found great joy in mentoring students, encouraging them in their faith, and guiding them with wisdom, compassion, and unwavering support. His influence extended far beyond the pulpit as he faithfully poured into the next generation, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives. After moving to South Carolina, he continued this ministry of encouragement by serving as a bus driver for Indian Land Schools, where he built meaningful relationships with the students he transported each day. He also faithfully volunteered with the Friend to Friend program at Indian Land Elementary School, demonstrating Christ's love through acts of kindness and compassion.

In recognition of his outstanding and exemplary contributions to the Damascus community and the well-being of its youth, Rev. Fox was honored with the Governor's Citation. His dedication included promoting the Teen Club at John T. Baker Middle School and the Friend to Friend program, which encouraged students to visit and build meaningful relationships with nursing home residents. He received this distinguished honor in appreciation of his compassionate ministry, exemplary leadership, and steadfast commitment to serving others.

Outside of ministry, Rev. Fox found happiness in God's creation and the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed tending his vegetable garden, making trips to Chimney Rock, and, in earlier years, bringing smiles to children and families by clowning in parades. A lifelong learner with a deep appreciation for history and culture, he served on the Archaeological Society of Maryland and pursued American Indian Studies, coming just a few courses shy of earning his degree. His fascination with history reflected his lifelong curiosity and love of learning. Rev. Fox was also a devoted sports enthusiast and became the beloved voice of the Indian Land Warriors for fifteen years. His enthusiasm for football and baseball made him a familiar and cherished part of Friday nights and community gatherings, creating lasting memories for generations of fans and families.

More than anything, Rev. Fox loved his family. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather and great-grandfather, and a faithful example of Christ in his home. His family was one of God's greatest blessings in his life, and the love, wisdom, and steadfast faith he shared with them will remain a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Those left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 48 years, Cheryl Benoy Fox; his daughter, Darlene Smith (Chris); his son, Loyd Fox (Donna); his cherished grandchildren, Danielle Wood (Dustin) of Eufaula, Georgia, Amary Doehling (Michael) of Rock Hill, South Carolina, and Abigail Fox of Van Wyck, South Carolina; his treasured great-grandchildren, Alex and Will Doehling, and Samantha and Carlie Wood; his brother-in-law, Joe R. Bailey; sister-in-love, Judy Rowell; and many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and the countless lives he touched through his ministry.

In addition to his parents, Rev. Fox was welcomed into Heaven by his brother, Thomas Fox; his sisters, Betty Broome, Marcene Bailey, and Linda Fox; his brother-in-law, Charles Broome; and his beloved great grandson, Gavin Doehling.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026, in the Chapel of Burgess Funeral Home, with Dr. David Carlton and Rev. Aaron Morgan officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Burgess Funeral Home.

The family finds comfort in knowing that Rev. Fox's race has been run, his faith has become sight, and he has heard the words he longed for all his life: "Well done, good and faithful servant." Though he will be deeply missed, the legacy of his faith, his love for the Lord, and his unwavering devotion to serving others will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know him.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Patriot Hospice or Second Baptist Church- Calvary Campus.

An online guest register is available on the obituary page at Burgess Funeral Home's website www.burgessfunerals.com.

Burgess Funeral Home and Crematory of Lancaster is honored to care for the family of Rev. Jimmy Fox.