William "Bill" Fox

Mr. William David Fox, Sr., fondly known to most as “Bill,” departed this earthly life on September 5, 2026, at the age of 98. He was born on July 25, 1928, in Tryon, North Carolina, to Ernest Fox and Iona Berry Fox. Bill was a good-natured, laid-back man who never seemed in a hurry to get anywhere.

Bill Fox attended Edmund Emory High School in Tryon. He began working at a young age, doing farm work. He often told the story of walking 3 miles to school and 3 miles back home. Bill was drafted into the Army at age 22. He served from November 1950 until August 1952 and participated in the Korean War. Bill was honorably discharged as a Sergeant.

After returning to his community, Bill began married life with his bride, Hazel Burns Fox. He worked a variety of jobs, including farming, driving a fuel truck, and working out of town on construction projects. He managed a small café in uptown Tryon for many years and met many people through that job. Bill was employed at a textile plant, Bigelow Sanford, which later became Landrum Mills and then Mohawk. He retired from the plant after 23 years.

Bill was active in the community. He was a member of Garrison Chapel Baptist Church and coached the women’s softball team, the “Tryon Allstars,” for years. He was also a proud member of the Prince Hall Masons, Tryon City Lodge #518, and the Tryon Social Club. He enjoyed social events and traveling with the social group to various locations. In his younger years, he was an avid reader of western paperbacks and remained a devoted fan of classic TV westerns throughout his life.

Bill loved God and his family. He enjoyed attending family reunions and spending time together over good food. Although he was never a man of many words, he would chime in occasionally. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, both sisters, and special friends. He leaves behind his children, with whom he shares precious memories: William David Fox, Jr. (Ella), Iona Fox Graham (Sidney), Dr. Joseph L. Fox (Ben), and Jacqueline Fox Rosby. He also leaves his grandchildren: Shemaine Fox Pickens, William Fox, III, Jasmin Graham, Shona and Nicholas Martin, Aaron Rosby, and Dylan Murray; and five great-grandchildren. Bill had a special place in his heart for his first cousin, Mrs. Ruth Berry McClure, and for a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Garrison Chapel Baptist Church, 416 Markham Rd, Tryon, NC 28782.
St. Luke CME Church, 462 Markham Rd, Tryon, NC 28782: CashApp: $StLukeCMETRYON