Ross Martin Fox, Jr.

Published 8:53 pm Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Ross Martin Fox, Jr., 72, of Lockhart Road, Tryon, N.C., died on September 27, 2016, in Tryon, N.C.

He was born in Aiken, S.C. and was the son of the late Ross Martin Fox and Ruth Olivia Colyer. Ross grew up in Spartanburg, S.C. and was a 1969 Graduate of Wofford College. After his studies, he had a brief career as a teacher at high schools in Spartanburg and Charleston, S.C. A stint as a crewman on yachts was transformed by Ross into a very successful career in paint contracting. In Charleston, he loved to race his small sailboat.

He moved to Tryon in 1988. Ross was a superb athlete and made his mark on our community in numerous ways. He led the Saluda Running Club, which for many years conducted the Coon Dog Day Races in Saluda, N.C., raising money for area charities. He was an avid bicycle rider with scores of friends in that community. He was an intrepid rower, sculling on area lakes and working as a race official for the National Rowing Association over the East Coast, most notably at the Atlanta Olympics.

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Besides giving his time for area charities, equestrian, and trout organizations, he will be best remembered for founding and directing the Shepherd’s Feast, a free Christmas Day Luncheon open to all. This gift to the community sprang from a recognition that no one should be alone on this sacred and festive day. Many benefitted from this event and it was a symbol of the goodwill of our community and of Ross Fox. He will be missed.

He was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Marianne Fox Newton. Surviving family include his cousin, Mike Fox, nephew Allen Newton, grandnephew, Chris Newton, grandniece, Amanda Newton, a former spouse, Sue M. Fox, of Colorado, and his faithful canine companion, Tika.

A Memorial Service will be held at 4 p.m. on October 20, 2016, at the Church of the Holy Cross, in Tryon, N.C. with The Reverend Robert F. Ard, Jr. officiating. Ross’ ashes will be placed in the Family Cemetery Plot in Adams Run, S.C.

Memorials may be made to the organization of your choice.

Cannon and Sons Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Submitted by Joni Fisher