Fox, John W.

John W. Fox, of Radford, born December 22, 1947, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, August 12, 2021. John was retired from Radford University, and had previously worked at the Radford Army Ammunitions Plant, and Kollmorgen.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Elliot and Byrdann Fox. He is survived by his wife, Betty B. Jones; his daughter, JoAnna Fox and her fiancé Jered Trayler; beloved siblings, Catherine Fox (John Didier) of Washington D. C., Jim Fox (Mary Anne) of Alexandria, and Jeff Fox (Carol) of Alexandria; and many other family members and friends whom he loved.

John was a kind and gentle soul, with a unique sense of humor. He was committed to his family, and was always proud to be a Dad, and what a good Dad he was! He will be remembered as a loyal and dedicated supporter of community events as well as supporting others to become all that they could be. He was involved in many community activities, such as, Kiwanis, “See You at Nine WVRU, Scouting, Memorial Day Committee, Unity Christian Church, Radford VFW Post #776, just to mention a few. He was also an active caver with a deep commitment to cave conservation.

John Fox…caver, father, husband, brother, cousin, friend, uncle, nephew, veteran, “dancing bear”, lover of music, the I.T. go to person, DJ extraordinaire, Boy Scout, friend of bats, and always extending a helping hand, you with your kind and generous spirit will be remembered.

Sometimes the universe sends you a lesson and sometimes the universe sends you a guiding light. In the underground darkness of caves, John was a beacon. Walking a trail or the city streets, climbing a mountain or playing music, or setting up or running a sound system, John was a beacon of kindness, joy, and genuine concern for the well-being of others. John leaves behind a light so bright it will continue to shine now that he is gone.

John’s memory may be honored by making a donation to the following: The National Speleological Society, 6001 Pulaski Pike, Huntsville, Alabama 335810-1122, or Unity Christian Church, 400 Tyler Avenue, Radford, Virginia 24141 or Radford EMS, 1500 Wadsworth St., Radford, Virginia 24141.

A Celebration of John’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 6, 2022 at Unity Christian Church in Radford. A visitation will follow in the church.

Interment with full military honors will be held on Monday, November 7, 2022 at 11 a.m. in the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin.