John Ross Fox, 77, of Statesville, N.C., passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2020, at the Sherrills Ford Hospice House.

John was born in Iredell County on February 1, 1943, and was the son of the late Grafton M. Fox and Mary Mecimore Fox. He was a graduate of Statesville City Schools and he attended Mitchell College. John was married to the former Elwanda Dixon and together they shared 57 years of marriage until his passing.

John worked with Burlington Industries in research and development, and he holds several patents for designs that he developed during his time with Burlington. He went on to retire from Mauldin Mills in Massachusetts.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Mark Fox, and one sister, Barbara Loudermilt.

Along with his wife Elwanda, John is survived by three sons, Eric Fox, Craig Fox (Kim) and James Fox (Tammy), along with seven grandchildren, Sara F. Gregory (Curtis), Erica F. Shaver (Chris), Shelby, Jonathan, Daniel, Heather, and Kaitlyn Fox. He is further survived by two great-grandchildren, McKenna and Weston Gregory; and two brothers, Billy Fox (Freda) and Gary Fox.

A graveside service will be conducted at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, in the Oakwood Cemetery. Mr. Fox will lie in state on Friday from 12 to 5 p.m. and again on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Nicholson Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the JDRF, P.O. Box 37920, Boone IA 50037 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601 or to any Hospice organization or charity of the donor’s choice.

The service will be lived streamed on Nicholson Funeral Home Facebook page. Online condolences can be made at nicholsonfunerals.com.

Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.