Oxford Bank Corporation announced today that former chairman, president, and CEO, and current vice chairman, Randall G. Fox passed away August 16, 2007 at the age of 66. Mr. Fox is preceded in death by his first wife, Shari, and is survived by spouse, Barbara, son Todd (Joann) Fox, daughters Traci (Brandon) Stolle, Ryan Roney, and Cameron Roney (Jeff Hesson), and grandchildren Samantha Fox, Jessica Fox, Nathan Fox, Conner Fox, Madeline Stolle, and Riley Hesson.

Jeffrey M. Davidson, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of the Corporation made the announcement and commented, ‘For the directors, officers and employees of Oxford Bank, and for me in particular, Randy Fox was a leader, a boss, a teacher and, along the way, a dear friend. Through his involvement and performance at all levels in his field, Randy earned the respect and admiration of the entire Michigan banking community. He was, and will continue to be, an inspiration to all of us whose lives he touched. We are blessed to have known him, and will surely miss his presence.?

A funeral service will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church (715 N. Lapeer Road) on Monday, Aug. 20 at 11 a.m. Interment at White Chapel Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors Bossardet Chapel (39 W. Burdick St.) on Saturday from 4-8 p.m. and Sunday from 2-6 p.m.

Mr. Fox joined Oxford Bank in May of 1984 as only the 10th president in the organizations, then, 100-year history. He replaced Robert P. Dick as chief executive officer in 1986 and as chairman
in 1987. Mr. Fox, also, became the first chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Oxford Bank Corporation upon its formation on August 1, 1988. He initiated a management transition plan in December of 2003 by announcing the appointment of Jeffrey M. Davidson to president and CEO of Oxford Bank. Mr. Fox then, as planned, passed on the duties of president and CEO of the Corporation to Mr. Davidson in March of 2006. He announced his retirement as chairman, and subsequent appointment to vice chairman, in April of this year.

In the 23 years since he was first hired, Oxford Bank witnessed a growth in total assets from $71,101,000 to $515,198,000, making it the 16th largest bank or thrift in southeast Michigan, as ranked by Crain’s Detroit Business in their 2007 Book of Lists. During that same period of time, total deposits increased from $65,216,000 to $460,122,000 and net loans climbed to $378,267,000 from $32,750,000.

In coordination with the growth in assets, Oxford Bank opened eight new facilities during Mr. Fox’s tenure. Beginning in 1987, the Bank established retail branch locations in Clarkston (1987), Ortonville (1990), Dryden (1995), Goodrich (2005), and Davison (2005), along with the Oxford Bank Finance Center in Oxford (1989), its Oxford Operations Center (2002), and it’s Commercial Banking Center in Lake Orion (2003). In addition, Oxford Bank created a mortgage subsidiary, Oxford Bank Mortgage Services, L.L.C., in 2002.

Prior to joining Oxford Bank, Mr. Fox was the president and chief executive officer of First of America Bank-Troy. He began his career in September of 1964 with Wayne Oakland Bank in Royal Oak, and spent the following 18 years in various capacities with the financial institution. Mr. Fox earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Wayne State University (1969), along with being a graduate of the University of Michigan Graduate School of Bank Management (1982) and the University of Colorado International School of Banking (1980).

Mr. Fox also served in various capacities for the Michigan Bankers Association, most notably as treasurer and as a member of its executive committee, executive council, and legislative council. He was also a past president and past chairman of the Michigan Association of Community Bankers.

He was an avid fisherman, golfer, horseman and active member of the Oxford community.

Look for a full story celebrating Mr. Fox’s life and achievements in next week’s Oxford Leader.