Cecil Fox
October 22, 1924 ~ October 8, 2006
Resided in:
Candler, NC
The Rev. Cecil Fox, 81, born on October 22, 1924, of 2 Owlwood Dr., Candler, died Sunday, October 8, 2006, at Rickman Nursing Center.
A native of Madison Co., Rev. Fox was a son of the late W.K. and Seretha Fox. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Mossie L. Fox, who died in 2005; sisters, Dovey Fox Edwards, Dorathy Fox Wilson, and Mary Fox; and brothers, Denver, Ira, Ronald, Winfred, Lawrence, and Ralph Fox.
Rev. Fox will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and papaw. In addition to being a World War II veteran, Rev. Fox was a retired Baptist minister, and was a member of Pole Creek Baptist Church. He served as pastor at Rocky Face Baptist Church, Canton, Sunny Point Baptist Church, Canton, and Blantyre Baptist Church, of Etowah. He served several interims at White Rock Baptist Church, Candler, Oakley Baptist Church, Oakley, Liberty Baptist Church, Candler, Zion Baptist Church, Rosman, and Antioch Baptist Church, Barnardsville.
Out of concern for the welfare of retired Baptist preachers, Cecil became involved in promoting the retirement program of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). Cecil spoke in the meetings of Baptist associations to encourage church leaders to make sure that their pastors had adequate retirement funds.
Later, he took his burden to the floor of the SBC in the annual meeting, advocating that the Southern Baptist Convention set aside a Sunday to receive an offering for retired pastors without adequate retirement income.
Now, Guidestone Financial Resources (the present name of the retirement program) has an annual "Adopt an Annuitant" Sunday.
Surviving are his son, James E. (Jim) Fox, Sr., and wife Sue, of Rosman; two grandchildren, Lt. Col. James Edward (Eddie) Fox, Jr. (USMC), and wife Kay, of Oceanside, CA, and Kelly Kay Fox, of Atlanta, GA; one great-granddaughter, Phebe Fox, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at Pole Creek Baptist Church with the Revs. Dennis Thurman and Dr. Thad Dowdle officiating. Interment will follow at Pisgah View Memorial Park.
Serving as pallbearers will be Gordon Fox, Leonard Fox, Kenny Fox, Tom Birchfield, Odell Dillard, and Jerry Ihme.
His family will receive friends 7-9:00 p.m. Tuesday at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pole Creek Baptist Church, P.O. Box 637, Candler, NC, 28715, the Alzheimer's Association, 31 College Place, Ste. D 320, Asheville, NC, 28801, or to Mountain Area Hospice, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, NC, 28813.
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We will miss his participation with the Buncombe Baptist Association. We could always count on him to volunteer where needed. Our sympathy is with you.
Preacher Cecil was a fine example of a dedicated Christian with a heart like our Jesus. He put feet on the needs he saw around him, and he served our LORD with all the vigor he possessed. Yesterday he entered Heaven and is now able to be with his beloved Mossie and his LORD JESUS. May our Lord be with all his loved ones here on Earth. Our prayers are with all the family at this time.
Brother Cecil was (and is) a precious man of God. I thank God for his example and for his dedication to God’s call upon his life. Heaven continues to get sweeter as the days go by. To all of the family, thank you for your willingness to share Cecil with all of us. May God walk with you and encourage you in the days ahead as you celebrate a life well lived and as you take daily steps toward that glad reunion day in Heaven. You are loved!
cecil will be greatly missed. but at least we know where he is. i am praying for all of you and eventhough i won’t be able to pay my respects in person you all are in my prayers
Rev. Cecil Fox and his late wife Mossie were two of my best friends. I don’t know if Jim will remember Sandi Price a grade behind him. I used to bring his mother to school with me when Jim and Sandi had a party. Mossie and I worked in the Rayon Textile Lab. at American Enka Corporation for several years together. We at Edgewood Baptist really loved for Cecil to come visit at our church and preach. He will really be missed by Buncombe County Baptist Churches. He is in Heaven with his Beloved Wife now. I will see him again some day.
Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Cecil was our friend, pastor, surrogate papaw, mentor, and ‘father’ in ministry. We will miss his wit, guidance, and smile. But we’re glad he made it home! Hope we can share a hot dog together somewhere up there. Our love and prayers to Jim, Sue, Eddie, Kelly, and family. You were the sparkle in his eyes (along with a little mischief).
Love, Kevin, Treva, Jonathan, Greg, and Jordon Morgan
The last time Preacher Fox was in our church I told my kids to make sure they shook his hand. It took him a little longer than usual to get in and get seated, but he was so happy to be there! The greatest lesson he taught us was his love and respect for his wife and his family. We also know how much he loved football! Our Love To All-
I always found Cecil to be forever pleasant and always a true man of God. He truly was an inspiration to all. He will certainly be missed at his second church, Edgewood Baptist.
I came to know Cecil and Mossie at Pole Creek Church. They were one of the most precious couples I have ever met. We use to run into each other at Kmart at least once a week and as we would be visiting, others we knew would join us. Cecil was truly a light in this world preaching God’s word every where he went. I loved both Cecil and Mossie deeply. He is with Jesus now and his beloved Mossie. May God continue to bless your family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Shared the Good News everywhere! Consultant, Advisor, Mentor and Friend! An Encourager that will leave A Giant Space to be filled, By whom? Loved Him and will Miss Him! Joe
I will never forget Cecil & Mossie for the love and kindness they showed for me and my family when they were at SunnyPoint Church in Canton. James, myself & our sons(Jimmy & Scott) loved them as family. He baptized my Jimmy. May God comfort you in this time of separation from him. Think of it as if he is gone on a journey that you will also be taking soon & you will see them him again. All my love to you, Jim & Sarah & family. Patsy
We knew Cecil and Mossie as children and then as pastor and pastors wife. They were a wonderful team and loved by all. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.And what a comfort to know that they are walking streets of gold and dining with the master.
All our love to Sue and Jim and the entire Fox family in this difficult time. We are sorry we can’t be with you, but please know you are in our hearts and prayers.
Lane & Angie
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
God Bless!
Tracie, Jeff, Zack, Haley & Drey
Rejoice in the Lord always again I say Rejoice…We have no doubt to the rejoicing in heaven that another child of God is home! To the Fox Family…God Bless You All-
With The Love Of Christ,
The Crabtree Family
The family is in our thoughts and prayers.
C. J. Rich Insurance Agency
Vickie & Kenny
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.’ (Psalms ch 116, vs 15)
Rev. Cecil Fox and Mossie were at Sunny Point Church when I was a boy, and I will never forget either of them. Their long friendship to my Grandparents, Ira & Wilma Singleton, and their kindness and graciousness are a part of many of my best memories. I have no worries about either of them. In the words of the Carter Family, they ‘…fixed it up with Jesus a long time ago.’ My best wishes & prayers to the family.
Jim – We are so sorry for your loss. Just know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sorry we will not be able to make it tonight, Keith has been having seizures today. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We know that we will see Uncle Cecil and Mossie in heaven one day. They both are sorely missed! Cecil was always an encouragement to Keith and he will miss that! Call us if we can do anything to help you. The reunions will not be the same, with so many gone before us. With Love…..
My condolences. My name is Charles Cook and I graduated in class with Cecil from Fruitland in 1971. Brother in the Lord, Charles Cook
As a Christian we are supposed to live by example, What a example Cecil and Mossie were. As a child he was my pastor and I thought Mossie hung the moon. I can still remember VBS at Blantyre he as the best. It was a has been a special time to be at Pole Creek with them in the past few years, I watched him be example of true love with Mossie and never failing to share about Christ and his love. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, May God bless you like Cecil and Mossie blessed us.
Doug,Mandy,Veston and Cassie Brown
We are praying for the family. We are former neighbors of Mr. and Mrs. Fox. They were fine neighbors.
We just learned tonight about your Father’s passing and regret that we didn’t know sooner so we could have come to visitation. May God grant you peace in the days ahead and wonderful memories of a life well-lived. As much as you’ll miss him, we also know you rejoice knowing that he and your mother are together again, free of all pain and having seen the Savior face to face and heard the words,’well done, my good and faithful servant.’ With our love and prayers,
It brings me mixed emotions to hear of the death of Rev. Cecil Fox. My father, the late Joe Brown 81, Candler, was the one who told me of Rev. Fox and how much he meant to the people of the church as well as everyone else that he came in contact with. My dad would always look at me and smile as he told me about those tennis shoes. I know that they will be there together right now as I write this smiling and listening to God say…’Job well done.’ It brings sadness knowing they are gone from us but it also brings joy knowing that they will be there waiting on us to someday be with them again. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Douglas and Bobby Brown, sons of the late Joe Brown, Candler, NC
Coach Fox, I was sad to hear of your loss. I know you will miss your dad. If there is anything I can do please call me anytime. 910-322-0504. My Aunt died on Sunday the first and was burried on Thursday, we did not get back to mom and dads until Sunday this week and mom just found out tonight from Pam Owen about your dad. Tell Mrs. Fox hello for me and I will see you next time I get to the mountains… Remember you are always in my thoughts. Mac McClellan
Coach & Mrs. Fox, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We just got back in town from my sister Carolyn’s funeral and Pam Owen gave me the news. I called Mac to let him know. I know your loss will be great, but I also know that time will heal all wounds and God above will care for your parents until you are chosen to join them. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers and let us know if there is anything we can do. Gods’ Blessing be with you always, Lynn & Jim McClellan, 4814 Seewee Road, Awendaw, SC 29429
JIMMY AND FAMILY,
I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR DAD’S PASSING. HE AND YOUR MOM MEANT SO MUCH TO ME AND MY FAMILY. I AM KEEPING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN MY THOUGHT AND PRAYERS. I AM SORRY THAT I COULD NOT ATTEND THE SERVICE.
It saddens me to learn of the passing of such a wonderful servant of the Lord. I had the rare opportunity to be with Rev. Fox in services and found the man to be a true example of what a christian should be. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Coach Fox and family,
I am truly sorry for your loss. Your dad was a great man and you have a lot to be proud of in him. Know that if there is anything our family can do to help, please let us know. You are in our thoughts and prayers. With love,
Mick, Jennifer and Trey Galloway
Uncle Cecil stopped by my office recently to show me his ‘new red car’….he was so proud to share w/ me how Aunt Mossie would open her arms when she saw him coming into her room to visit and ‘have lunch’. I can just see them now, ‘arm in arm’, forever together, fellowshiping w/ the ones gone on before us and waiting for their precious family and friends to join them. I love you all, Becky.
Jim & Eva Sue, we truly loved Cecil and will miss him. He and Mossie meant so much to our lives. Of course Wanda knew Cecil and Mossie before we married, but we both got to know them when they became our Sunday School teachers at Bent Creek. What a true blessing we have had to have had them both in our lives. It is hard to lose both parents, but to know they are with Jesus makes all the difference. Your family are in our prayers. The service was a great celebration for a life given to serve our Savior. What a honor to call him Dad- Father In Law- Papaw – most of all friend.
Jim & Family,
Keeping you & your family in our
thoughts & prayer. Gods’ blessing
be with you always.
Harry & Carolyn Powell
Gerald & Mary Powell
Jim & Family,
Keeping you & your family in our
thoughts & prayer. Gods’ blessing
be with you always.
Harry & Carolyn Powell
Gerald & Mary Powell
I did not get to come to the visitation but did attend the sweet, uplifting memorial service today.
Rev. Fox was truly a friend to all and always took the time to speak to everyone. Will always remember his smile and all the funny things he could say to make you laugh. Will remember seeing him wearing his tennis shoes a lot past yr. or so. He
always asked about my Dad and my Dad’s brother, Rev. G.H. Shope, both of which are in rest home now. Prayers and thoughts to your family.
Cecil was a great friend,and a great man of God. We always appreciated Him and Mossie. They will be missed here at Fruitland. Thank God for all of Cecil’s help with retirement for pastors. Sorry that we could not come to the funeral service. May God richly bless the family and give them many wonderful memories of a great man.
Yours in Christ, J. D. and Judy Grant
I want to express my symapthy to Jim and the family at the passing of Cecil. I knew your mom and dad for all my life and they both have made a great impact on my life. My mom and dad were good friends of your parents while and I know they are reunited in heaven today. I miss your dad’s sense of humor and the stories that he told. You are in my prayers. In Christ, Ronnie Gentry
I want to tell you what precious memories I have of Rev. Fox. In 1988, my Father’s house burned down in the early morning hours of July 25. My Dad was out of town but all of his children were there watching and grieving for the loss of a step-sister in the fire and just in shock with the trauma of the fire. Several of us were members of Pole Creek Church. Rev. Fox was there for us during all those horrendus days. My Dad and all of us were so grateful for Rev. Fox’s spiritual leadership and comfort he shared. Heaven has gained a treasure and he is reunited with dear Mrs. Fox,too. We are richer for knowing him.
Dear Coach Fox and family,
The prayers of our family are certainly with you folks during these difficult days. What a Christian gentleman Mr. Fox was and no doubt Heaven is now a more enhanced place with his presence.
Gary Rhonda Derrick and DeAnna Huggins
I want to express my love and sympathy to the Fox Family. Knowing Jim, Sue and Kelly through my high school days I had a few opportunities on different occasions to be around Cecil and Mossie. Little did I know that a few short years later God would call me into the ministry and give me the opportunity to minister in the Buncombe Baptist Association. As a young preacher boy I always enjoyed having an opportunity to fellowship with Brother Cecil because he went the second mile in anything he was a part of. He always had a story to tell and great words of wisdom for a young preacher. He loved the Lord, he loved his Family and he was always quick to share the simple Gospel Message to anyone in his path. What a legacy he has left! He will be missed!
Dear Fox Family,
It is hard to say all Cecil Fox& Mossie mean’t to my family.When they were at Sunny Point they were such wonderful friend’s to my Mom & Dad,Ira & Wilma Singleton. He conducted my Dad & my Brother’s funerals.My Mom tried to pay him and he said that was an insult, although he came from Blantyre to do it.He never you ,every I saw him he would say,you are Judy or Patsy one.I know he grieved for Mossie,he was so faithful to go to the rest home.Please accept my sincere prayers & sympathy. Sincerely, Pat( Singleton)Williams
Dear Fox family,
Cecil was a great man. My family always talks of him fondly. He and Mossie were great people and were the best examples of Christians I know. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kim Dawson