Don Ernest Fox

Don Fox went home to be with his Lord and Savior on September 11, 2023. He was born on August 24, 1947, to a large loving family of nine siblings. He would want you to know about his Jesus before himself. To be a Christian is to have Christ in your heart, which he accepted this free gift at the age of thirteen. To be Christ like and in everything give your whole heart to Jesus. He was able to love his family and friends unconditionally because of the love of Christ in him. He had a servant’s heart and used the gifts God gave him to help others.
He met the love of his life in 1967, Martha Sue Dugger, and they were shortly married in April 1968. He loved her with all his heart and probably his 1968 Ford Mustang too. He served his country in the Vietnam era. He served in the US Army rank E-4 from February 19, 1969 to February 9, 1971. He was a Watauga High Graduate and Steed College Graduate. He served as a medic and orderly. He had a love for healthcare, but he found that he loved making things out of wood even better. Many of you knew him for the swings he made for anyone that wanted one. He had many jobs such as the night manager at American Air Filter and manager at American Wicker and Wood. He worked for Colby milk, we all loved this since he loved ice cream so! His longest career was in carpentry and construction. He became a deacon on June 11, 1995. He loved serving his church and church family as a deacon and faithful Sunday school teacher. He was always trying to find ways to help them. He would cut wood for those that needed it and replace roofs as well. He also went on mission trips, which was valuable with his skills and helping those in need. He especially loved helping his neighbors. Many cold mornings, he would plow their snowy driveways, so that they could get to work. Most of all he loved sharing Jesus along the way. Many would also love to see him cheering for his children and grandchildren playing sports. More so for maybe heckling the referees. He would serve his community and his country in anyway that was pleasing to The Lord.
He served on the American Legion for Wautaga County. He wanted to be a blessing to others and he never asked for anything in return. He instilled an incredible work ethic in all three of his daughters. His proudest moments of being a Dad is when they accepted Jesus into their hearts. Then when the grandkids came, no matter what he was doing, he would take time for them. His smile and laughter would light up a room when he was playing with his grandchildren. He was faithful every day to read his Bible and pray. His prayers were again answered when his grandchildren got saved. He was a man of faith and believed in the power of prayer! If time lasted, the salvation of his great grandchildren will also be answered prayers that he prayed everyday.
To live like Don Fox it is nothing that he has done, he would ask for no credit, but tell you it is all from and by the Grace of God! Our prayer is that you see even through his sickness, it was not him that carried him through, it was Jesus.
Mr. Fox was preceded in death by his parents Paul J. Fox and Wilma Essie Harmon Fox. Brothers Freddie Fox, Frank Fox ,Joe Fox and sister Martha Pope.
Mr. Fox is survived by his loving wife Sue Fox of their home in Valle Crucis along with his children Donna Pennell (Wayne), Leslie Wilson (Brad), Anita Presnell (Scott Russom), Grandchildren: Carrie Fenner (Preacher Tyler), Colby Pennell, Troy Wilson, Kayn Greene, Shelby Presnell, Donovan Presnell and Nick Presnell. Great grandchildren: Jasper, Ruby and Onyx Fenner. Sisters Florence Shanko (Felix) Fletcher, NC, and Jennie Moody (Dean), Patsy Moody (Ray), Pansy Moody (AR) all of Vilas, NC, Sister in law Barbara Tester (Larry) and close cousins Clarence Anderson, Norman Anderson (Norma), Dr. Glen Anderson (Sharon), and sister Clara along with multiple nieces and nephews.
The family will be receiving friends at Proffit’s Grove Baptist Church on Saturday, September 16, from 12:30-2:00 PM, service at 2:00 PM, with Graveside service following at Dry Hill Cemetery. Services conducted by Pastor Delmar James, Pastor Tyler Fenner, Preacher Burl Jones, and Larry Tester. Pallbearers: Clarence Anderson, Nick Presnell, Kayn Greene, Colby Pennell, Donovan Presnell, and Troy Wilson. Honorary pallbearers : Ernie and Dennis Pope, John Hicks, Mike Gallagher and Charles Townsend.
Mr. Fox requests, in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to one of the following three: Don’s nephew, a federal guard, Frank Keller, who was in an accident. (see FB of family for gofundme), Amorem Hospice, or American Legion Post 130.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Fox family.

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