Obituary of Charles Fox

Charles W. (Billy) Fox Jr., 89, of Roanoke, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 10, 2012, in Roanoke. Billy was born April 28, 1923, a son of Charles W. Fox and Melba Fishback Fox. In addition to his parents, Billy was preceded in death by three sisters, Geraldine Fox, Carolyn Fox Hoover and Dorothy Fox Mottesheard. Left to cherish his memory are his brother, James T. Fox (Jimmy); a very special niece, Tracy H. Murray; niece, Amber Kern; nephews, Jason Kern, Kamen Kern-Paxton, Jacob Kern; and other nieces and nephews. Also special friends, Percy E. Moore, James E. Watson, and Jim Hunting. Billy also developed a very close friendship with Kenneth Dwight Amsler. They had become like brothers to each other. Following military service during World War II, Mr. Fox was employed by the National Theatre Corporation (American, Roanoke, Park and Rialto Theatres). After working as assistant manager at the American Theatre for a number of years, he was promoted, in 1951, to manager of the theatre and served in that capacity until it was closed in 1972. Following that, Mr. Fox worked briefly at S&S Cafeteria and the Four Parrots Restaurant. He then worked for 17 years at the Roanoke Elks Club until his retirement. Billy was a longtime, beloved member of the Wildhurst Presbyterian Church (ARP Synod) where he had served as a deacon and church treasurer. Billy was a friend to everyone and never met a stranger. Mr. Fox's family wishes to thank the entire staff at the Raleigh Court Health and Rehabilitation Center for their excellent care and friendship that they gave Billy. A celebration of Billy's life will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday December 13, 2012, at the Wildhurst Presbyterian Church, 134 Wildhurst Avenue, Roanoke, with the Reverend Doctor William M. Harris Jr. officiating. Visitation will begin before the service at 1:15 p.m. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home. 540-366-0707.