Max L. Fox, Sr.

Max L. Fox, Sr., age 87, of the Jacks Creek Community, went Home to be with the Lord on Friday, May 12, 2023 at CarePartners Solace Center in Asheville. A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Love and Alma Franklin Fox, and the step-son of Irene McIntosh Fox, who raised him after his birth mother passed away when he was four years of age. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Lucille Laughrun and her husband, Roy; brothers: Ben Fox and his wife, Faye, and Sam Fox; brother-in-law, Roger Penland, and a sister-in-law, Shirley Young Bailey.

Max was a local businessman who started several businesses, beginning his career in 1957 with his brother, Ben which included a trucking business, Fox Brothers Grading and Paving, as well as several others. In 1977, Max and Ben together bought what is now known as Fox Country Store. Max was a dedicated member for over 54 years, as well as an usher for a number of years at West Burnsville Baptist Church. Most importantly, he was a beloved daddy and “Pa” to his children and grandchildren, and a loving husband to Jeanette for almost 70 years.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Jeanette Bailey Fox; daughter, Amy Fox Johnson and husband, Shane of Burnsville; son, Max Fox II and wife, Crystal of Burnsville; three grandchildren: Bailey Johnson, Brinley Fox and Brystal Fox; brother, Bill Fox of Burnsville; sister, Linda Penland of Angier; and three brothers-in-law: Philip Bailey and wife, Ann of Easley, SC, Ronnie Bailey and wife, Shirley of Lewisville, and Richard Bailey and wife, Judy of Matthews. Several nieces, nephews, and other extended family survive as well.

Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16th, 2023 at West Burnsville Baptist Church. Pastor Chris Fox and Rev. Ricky Ray will officiate. Music will be provided by Cathy King. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. prior to the funeral service. Burial will be in the church cemetery with pallbearers being Jeff Fox, Tim Laughrun, Nick Styles, Russell Fox, Bailey Johnson, Shannon Cooper, Walter Bailey and Roger Fox.

Memorial donations may be made to West Burnsville Baptist Church at P.O. Box 38, Burnsville, NC 28714, or to Compassionate Care WNC at 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.