Lynn Carroll Fox

Asheville ~ Lynn C. Fox, 67, passed away on Thursday, May 10, 2018 in his residence. Lynn was born July 15th, 1950 in Chattanooga, TN to the late Robert Lee Fox, Jr. and Carolyn Lee (Poindexter) Fox. Many knew him as a personable, humorous storyteller who amused his family and friends with laughter and wise sayings (often fondly repeated and utilized by others). Lynn was also a celebrated track athlete who achieved an NCAA Championship and All-American status while at the University of Memphis. He was inducted into both the University of Memphis Athletic Hall of Fame, and the East Ridge HS Athletic Hall of Fame. As a sprinter, his best time in the 100-yard-dash was 9.3 seconds. Several of his records still stand. Lynn, along with his fellow Chattanooga teammates Ed Hammonds and Maurice Knight, formed one of the strongest sprint relay teams in the nation. One of his favorite and original quotes was “If you have to breathe during the race, you have run too far”. Lynn retired in 2011 as Director of Business Intelligence for HSBC Bank, USA. He and his family spent 32 years in NYC and became lifelong Yankees and Giants fans. Moving to Asheville in 2012, Lynn and Beth were able to enjoy the sweet southern mountains filled with fresh air, clear streams, frisky bears, and friendly folks. This was also near his boyhood home of Chattanooga where many friends remain. Lynn was so very proud of his family, especially: his wife and partner of 39 years, Beth, for her loving support and wise counsel through the years; his three daughters, Katie, Laura, and Michelle, for making their own way--he found tremendous joy in watching them grow into exceptional, intelligent, and independent women; his older brothers, Bob and Steve, who taught him early on the need to be tough, resilient and also, by example, how to set positive goals and embrace personal perseverance. Lynn was a lover of music which he played loudly as he drove his beloved MINI Cooper convertible along the magnificent mountains of the Blue Ridge Parkway. His musical Mount Rushmore was: Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Van Morrison, and Warren Zevon. To all his friends and family he would leave this quote: “Keep me in your heart for a while” - borrowed from W. Zevon. A visitation will be held from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at Groce Funeral Home, 72 Long Shoals Rd., Arden. Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions in Lynn’s memory may be made to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation online at www.brpfoundation.org/donate , or to Friends of the Smokies online at www.friendsofthesmokies.org/donate.