District Clerk Billy Fox is retiring after more than five decades of service to Bowie County.
Fox joined the district clerk's office staff in 1965 and was elected the county's district clerk in 1987. Since then, the voters of Bowie County have elected Fox again and again, making her among the county's most tenured public servants with a 51-year record.
"Two kinds of people hold public office. Politicians and public servants. Politicians for their own benefit, public servants for the benefit of the people," said 102nd District Judge Bobby Lockhart. "Billy Fox is a public servant of the first order."
Lockhart and many others spoke of how Fox's pleasant and steady presence will be missed.
"There are two things visitors to the Bowie County Courthouse since it opened in 1986 could always count on seeing, the statue of James Bowie out front and Billy Fox in the District Clerk's Office," said 202nd District Judge John Tidwell. "For decades, she has managed an office that has transitioned through the ever-changing world of technology."
Fox reflected on some of the changes she has witnessed.
"During my tenure, I saw many firsts: a woman serve on the grand jury, the electric typewriter, the copy machine and women wearing our first pantsuits in the courthouse," Fox said.
While the times may have changed during her years in the courthouse, she has remained a competent, reliable and well-loved fixture. Bowie County District Attorney Jerry Rochelle said Fox is one of a kind.
"Through good times and bad, the ups and downs of elected service, she always ensured that her office served the public with distinction," Rochelle said. "There was always a duty and desire to keep the clerk's office on the cutting edge of technology, yet always delivering with the personal touch. Her door was always open, and I have never seen a time when she did not have a smile on her face."
Fox's smile is often mentioned.
"She has always got a smile on her face. She always has a hug for you. She makes the atmosphere in the courthouse better and she is always accommodating and willing to help," said Chief Public Defender Rick Shumaker.
Fox's willingness to help is a trait recognized by many courthouse regulars.
"Her continued re-election-every election since 1987-speaks volumes about the county's and court system's confidence in her leadership. Billy helped begin the preservation of the historically significant District Court records and has been a fixture in the courthouse through the good and lean years. Billy has always helped the lawyers in Bowie County in any way she could. For example, long before electronic filing, if asked, she would personally stay long after hours to allow matters to be filed that were critical to pending matters," 5th District Judge Bill Miller said. "During her whole career, Billy has always listened to ordinary folks trying to navigate the legal system and offered any help she was able to offer, even if it was just a friendly ear. She never told people she was too busy to listen to what they had to say."
Fox said serving the citizens of Bowie County was always her first priority.
"My office policy has always been that every person who walks through the office doors, we work for them and treat them the way you would want to be treated," she said. "An elected official can't operate an office without good employees to support them. I have been fortunate to have an amazing group of office staff, as they have given their all, their dedicaion, and worked above and beyond for the court system."
County Court at Law Judge Jeff Addison said Fox has been a blessing to Bowie County and that working alongside her has been a great privilege.
"She has always been very kind and graceful in her professional responsibilities. I know the District Clerk's Office business will carry on, but things just won't be the same," Addison said. "I'm thankful for all her help and guidance over the years and I know she'll be there if called upon in the future."
While Fox said she most enjoyed the opportunities her job provided to serve and meet her fellow citizens, she also took pleasure in networking with other state district clerks to improve the court system.
"I would like to acknowledge my appreciation to the Bowie County Bar Association for their support during the years," Fox said. "My position also gave me the opportnity to work with some of the most outstanding judges and their staff."
This afternoon her replacement, appointed by the county's three district judges, Jill Harrington, will be sworn in to serve the remainder of Fox's term.
"Mrs. Harrington has been with me since 1978 and my advice to her? Keep doing what we have been doing, serving and helping people. I am very confident in her ability to continue the good service of this office," Fox said.
Fox's popularity is not limited to the legal community and the voters. Staff in her office typically remain for years and all offered praise for their retiring leader and lamented how they will miss her.
"I remember as a young girl in the early 80's visiting the District Clerks office at the old courthouse location. Billy Fox was warm and friendly to everyone back then and still is today," said Deputy Clerk Deana Stiles.
"She has been such an inspiration of hard work and dedication," said Deputy Clerk Teresa Tipps, who recalls racing from the toilet paper aisle at Walmart in New Boston, Texas, next door to the courthouse, when Fox called and asked her to interview.
Deputy Clerk Annjannette Chapman said Fox built a great team in the office.
"Billy is one that makes everyone feel important. I only saw her show kindness to everyone. She has the ability to make someone feel better about a situation if needed. Billy will be greatly missed in the District Clerk's office, not only by us, who had the privilege of working with her, but also by the people of Bowie County," Chapman said.
"Billy hired me in 1995 through the work program at the high school. At that time I never thought that I would make this a career, but I did," Deputy Clerk and Criminal Supervisor Lori Caraway said. "She has been an inspiration to me over the years and guided me in several areas of my life. This will be a bittersweet moment for many of us. I know there comes a time in our lives when we choose to hand the torch over and I am truly happy for her as she begins to enjoy her retirement, however, she will truly be missed."
Chief Deputy Clerk Karen Raney said she has fond memories of her 17 years working with Fox.
"Billy has been an excellent boss," Raney said. "She has been a positive influence to countless employees and citizens over the years. Billy is the reason that the District Clerk's Office is such an enjoyable place to work."
Deputy Clerk Joy Smith spoke of the positive work environment Fox created as well.
"I have never worked with such a wonderful group of women until now. Mrs. Fox created a new opportunity of a lifetime for me, and I will forever be grateful for her. I pray many blessings upon her as she will truly be a missing flower to our bouquet," Smith said.
Harrington, who will take the reigns as Bowie County's newest District Clerk this afternoon, described Fox more as an old friend than a co-worker.
"I have worked with Billy and for Billy as the District Clerk for many years. It has been a pleasure to have learned from her. From the old courthouse to many years in the new courthouse (which is 31 years old), we have traveled the road together. We have been there for each other through births of my children and grandchildren, her grandchildren and great grandchildren and deaths in our families," Harrington said. "Together we have gone through judges retiring and new judges being sworn in, a new court being created, and thinking the lawyers are getting younger every year. Through all the years, she has enjoyed visiting with the public. A lot of people knew she would help them in any way she could or would direct them to the person or company that could help. She will be surely missed and I have some big shoes to fill."