John Dalton Fox, Colonel, USAF Retired, passed away Saturday, January 2, 2021, following Covid complications. John was born in Carroll County, Mississippi, to the late John Turner and Sallie Wigley Fox, and was raised in Union City, Tennessee. He lived a life of service to his God, his country, his family, and community.
A man who loved his country, John served its people with tours of duty in Vietnam, Langley AFB, VA, Kadena AFB, Okinawa, Japan, and Dover AFB, DE. A combined seventeen of his thirty-one years in service were spent at Pope AFB, NC, where he retired after serving as the Commander of the USAF Airlift Center.
Following retirement from the Air Force, John found fulfillment as a volunteer. He served as president of the Cumberland County Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and the Cumberland County Council on Older Adults. For a number of years he prepared taxes for seniors as a part of the AARP Tax Aid Program sponsored by the Fayetteville Senior Center.
He served his God with a quiet dedication in life experiences and as a deacon at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church. There he was a Sunday School teacher, served on various committees, worked with Operation Inasmuch, and the carpentry ministry. He also returned to Vietnam twice assisting medical mission teams.
John treasured family time with his wife, his children, and grandchildren. He was always there for the things that mattered to them at church, at school, and on the playing field. In recent years, time spent working and relaxing with family and friends on the old family farm in South Carolina, brought him special joy.
John is survived by his loving wife, Henrianne Connor Fox; his son Bryan Fox of Alexandria, VA; his daughter Kerry Garlington and her husband Brent of Fayetteville, NC; his grandchildren, Thomas and Emma Claire Garlington of Fayetteville, NC; his brother Frank Fox and wife Joan of Pensacola, FL; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He is predeceased by daughter Kathy Maxwell and her husband Billy, and their children Connor and Cameron Maxwell; and his sister JoAnne Schwartz and her husband Merwyn.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 on Friday, January 8, 2021, at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church with the Reverend John Cook officiating. A private interment will also be held for family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Snyder Memorial Baptist Church/2020 Fund, 701 Westmont Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28305, or to a charity of your choice.
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