The following was written by Dr. Michael Andreu, a close colleague of Dr. Fox.
It is with great sadness that we share the news of Dr. David Fox’s passing on Friday, June 27, 2025. Dr. Fox was an adjunct faculty member and urban forestry specialist in the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences.
Dr. Fox earned his Ph.D. from the School in 2015, studying the ecology and growth of Sabal palmetto, Florida’s state tree. After a distinguished 30-year career in public and private forestry, he returned to academia with the goal of preparing and inspiring the next generation of natural resource professionals. He served our students and School with dedication as an adjunct lecturer and urban forestry specialist, bringing unmatched field experience and a calm, generous spirit to every course and project.
Dr. Fox helped teach several of our core undergraduate classes, including Urban Forestry, Forest Conservation and People (affectionately known to many as “Trees and Peeps”), Florida’s Forest Communities, Natural Resource Sampling, Forest Resource Information Systems, and Dendrology and Forest Plants. His ability to bring relevance to the classroom through real-world application left a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike.
We will miss David’s expertise, his mentorship, and most of all, his kindness.
A memorial will be held on July 19 at 11 a.m. at North Central Baptist Church, 8001 NW 23rd Ave, Gainesville, FL.
More information about arrangements and opportunities to honor David’s legacy will be shared as it becomes available.
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