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WATSON STOESSEL "STO" FOX Jr.
WATSON STOESSEL "STO" FOX Jr.
Obituary
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WATSON FOX Obituary
GREENSBORO — Watson Stoessel "Sto" Fox, Jr. died November 2, 2012 after a courageous fight with cancer. Sto was born July 19, 1941 in Blacksburg, SC to the late Mary Lewis Doster Fox Danieley and Watson Stoessel Fox, Sr.
Sto Fox grew up in Greensboro, NC where he graduated from Greensboro High School in 1959 and then attended his beloved University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill! He served in the United States Air Force before coming home and beginning his professional career. He worked at Sedgefield Country Club and later worked in the family business his father started, Fox Cleaners. In March of 1969, Sto and the late Gail Sandra Weber were married and so ensued a legacy of love. He also had a successful career as an employment recruiter while running Fox Cleaners which is still in business today.
Sto's passion for the Dry Cleaning industry eventually lead him to becoming the Executive Director of the North Carolina Association of Launderers and Cleaners. During his leadership he helped to achieve many notable accomplishments. One of the most notable was the creation of the Dry Cleaners Trust fund (DCSCA) which continues today to help protect the environment and the existence of small business owners.
Sto's love for others was a trademark of his character. His traditional style of genuine hospitality coupled with his eccentric personality proved over time to be a lasting influence on the many lives he touched. He is survived by his five children: Daughter Ashley Fox Thompson and husband Shannon Thompson of Blowing Rock, NC, son Gregory Stoessel Fox of Greensboro, NC, daughter Brandon Fox of Greensboro, NC, daughter Lindsey Fox Beane and husband Perry Beane of Lenoir, NC, and daughter Brie Fox of High Point, NC, eight grandchildren: Makenzie Thompson, Ella Thompson, Addison Thompson, Sandra Beane, Colby Beane, Aiden Beane, Demetrius Butler and Cecilia Fox and cousin Jim Burton and wife Maryanne Burton of Bell Center, Ohio. Sto had an extended family that included many special friends. Many of which felt he was a father figure, mentor, and true friend. A celebration of his life will be held at Deep River Event Center in Greensboro, NC on Saturday, November 17 starting at 6 p.m. We will gather to toast and share special memories of life and laughter. In lieu of flowers, donations can be shared with the amazing Beacon Place and with Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro at 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27405. Memorial contributions may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com
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Cal Horton
November 13, 2012
Sto and I became friends at Carolina. He was a leader in our fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha; and, we spent many hours together. I especially remember eating pizza and drinking beer together at the old Rathskellar on Friday afternoons, watching and listening as he led the 16-piece Sinfonians dance band, embarassing our friend Jim Finison by our over-the-top public behavior, and trips to the beach in his covertible. We always had a lot of fun.
I saw him only a few times after he graduated, but each time it was as if we were continuing a conversation begun the day before. I spent the night at his home once, before his wife died. His deep love for her was very clear.
Sto was irrascible, eccentric, unique, playful, clever, intelligent, thoughtful, and kind to everyone he met. He was my friend, and there's a hole in my universe where he used to be.
Chandra Goodson
November 9, 2012
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Fox when he came to visit his daughter, Lindsey at ECU, who was my sister's roommate. He left a lasting impression. What a wonderful human being that will be sorely missed.
November 9, 2012
Sto, was a friend as far back as jr, High
days. When I was married Sto & wife lived for a short time a couple of houses
from me & my husband. Most recently I have passed Sto on my way to work and also, at Sears where he made at least one
purchase that I rang up for him. We always talked about GHS days and mutual friends.
Cassandra (Sandra) Ricketts
Jay Lambeth
November 9, 2012
Too many memories to recount - Sto was a unique person in many ways. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.
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LuAnne Burch
November 8, 2012
I am deeply saddened by the news of Sto's passing. ...I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to his family. I consider Sto one of the finest men I have the pleasure of knowing as well as a true friend. I will remember all the fun we had over the years and the great analytical discussions. Sto you will be missed by many!!
Sandra Ricketts
November 8, 2012
STO, was a friend form GHS days.
When I was married, Sto & wife ended living on the same street as we did.
The last few years I used to pass Sto on his way to work, I was also on the way to work. at Sears. Sometines Sto would show up at Sears, to by an item, we would chat about GHS, he would always ask about Wilma Kay and tell me to say hello from Sto.
I will miss him and alot of other GHS classmates will also miss him.
Paula P White
November 7, 2012
Great memories of working & playing together...Your spirit lives on.
Jerry Robertson
November 7, 2012
Sto had been my friend for 65 years. Rest in peace, my friend.
Ron Wright
November 6, 2012
Sto was one of the real gentlemen in the GHS Class of '59. He will be sadly missed in each of the lives he touched. He always left you with a smile, on ones face.
Ron Wright, GHS '59
November 6, 2012
Ole' Sto! After years of several phone calls a week (sometimes daily) lasting almost an hour, I will truly miss our chats! Ole' Mack
November 5, 2012
~Dianne Hartsfield Harrison, classmate Lindley Elementary, Lindley Jr. High and GHS'59
Scott Alloway
November 5, 2012
He was a true friend and a great guy to talk with and listen to. We worked together for the NCALC and it was a labor of love for Sto. I will certainly miss him.
Larry Hill
November 5, 2012
With fond memories of a good man. Sto will be greatly missed.
Mary Lynn Hammond-Nettles
November 5, 2012
Sto was part of my growing up and I will always remember a certain incident...First Baptist teens went to Caswell with my partents, Mary Ella and H. P. Hammond as chaperones. We managed to find fireworks and Sto lit a cherry bomb and it exploded in his hand. I guess he forgot to throw it! My Dad was furious! What a character...I'm not surprised to find he was successful in so many ways. He was a great guy and I am so sorry for your loss...
David Cotter
November 5, 2012
goodbye to a good friend. Met Sto a few years ago and became good friends. Many good memories, including a great weekend earlier this year in Baltimore with a few friends.
Greg Icenhour
November 5, 2012
I had the privilege of meeting Sto almost 20 years ago when he asked me to consider getting involved in the NCALC. What started out as a professional relationship turned into a good friendship, with many phone calls about dry cleaning, government and UNC athletics. Sto's passion for his family, business and friendships was evident to all who met him. I will truly miss him. My prayers go out to the family.
Forrest Cheek
November 4, 2012
My heart and prayers go out to Sto's family in this very difficult time. Sto has been one of my best friends since childhood and I will never forget the 3 hours we spent in Feb. 2011 talking and laughing about our times together, playing in bands, beach trips, being room mates at UNC, and his knicker suits. He was a friend to everyone and loved by all that knew him. I thank him for all the wonderful memories that will continue to fill my heart. RIP my friend.
Olive Jordan
November 4, 2012
Brandon, I did not know your dad but after reading all these comments, I wish I had. We both went to Lindley Elementary and GHS. At any rate, I know he had to be special because you are! I still can't get over the fact that he raised five teenagers alone! That would have done in most people! Special wishes to you and your family! Cherish the good memories!
Olive
Clara Brincefield Huff
November 4, 2012
Sto was a special friend to me when I was Youth Director at FBC, Greensboro. I saw him again not many years ago in Greensboro. I remember his mother also. We have lost another unusual friend.
November 4, 2012
Sto Fox was a special person in school.
He was special friend to meany, even beyond GHS.
Sandra Ricketts
Bob and Emma Smart
November 4, 2012
Best wishes to Sto's special family. He was always so proud to have you with him at the many NCALC functions. God bless you all. Emma and Bob Smart
November 4, 2012
Sto and I lived in the same neighborhood in the 1950's. He lived on Northridge and I lived on Sherwood. My deepest sympathy to the family. Peggy Prince Allen
November 4, 2012
Hinda Berkelhammer classmate GHS '59
Jennifer Cullingham-Berg & Family
November 4, 2012
My family has a long history of wonderful memories with Mr. Fox. I was Blessed to have been able to work with him in the last months of his life. He was a man of high integrity, dedicated to his family and to his work. I am honored to have known such a unique man.
Jim and Sarah Jo Wall
November 4, 2012
Sto was a good friend at First Baptist as we were growing up. He was always one to make people laugh. We have fond memories and pray that his family will cherish and enjoy their memories and find comfort in them. God bless each one of you. Thank you, Father, for having the "idea" of Sto Fox and for putting him in our path.
November 4, 2012
To FOX FAMILY
STO WILL TRULY BE MISSED. ALL THE BEST IN DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
MUCH LOVE AND RESPECT.
MARY, DANIEL AND CARLITA BLACK
November 4, 2012
To Sto's family, my heartfelt sympathy. Sto was truly one of a kind.
Hal Greeson, GHS Class of 1959.
Angela Cullingham Baldwin
November 4, 2012
Sto,(and Gail)along with their amazing children, will hold a very special place in my heart forever. Sto took care of my twin sister and I like we were his own during a time in our young lives when our own father was absent. He is the reason I've been married to a wonderful family man for nearly 32 yrs. I will always remember his ability to be the calm in any storm, always positive. Thank you Sto. Thank you to his family for sharing your father. I love this family he and Gail created.
Yvonne Norris Nance
November 4, 2012
I first met Sto when we were 10 years old and he wasdressed in an all white suit, walked into a meeting at church and told the adult leader, "OK you can start now. I am here." I knew I wanted to know this person. Over the years, there have been so many good memories. I will miss knowing Sto is around.
Mike & Kathy Brown
November 4, 2012
Thinking of you at this time. So sorry for your loss and the loss of our friend.
Joyce Whitley
November 4, 2012
Lindsey I send you all my love. I know you were happy to spend the time you had with him. Hold on to that and treasure every memory in your heart forever.
November 4, 2012
Sto has been in my life since 1968 when he and Gail were dating and Lord the countless good times since then! My heart is full of sadness over his passing. My prayers to you children and your families.
Penny Martin
Manfred Wentz
November 4, 2012
Gisela and I are very sad to learn about Sto's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. I consider myself blessed to have met Sto professionally and privately during the past two decades. His unique personality and experience influenced many of my decisions. I will miss him, but I fondly will remember him as a true and reliable friend.
November 4, 2012
So sorry to hear of his passing.
"Razz" Armistead-neighbor,& class mate.
Fran Johnson
November 4, 2012
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I will deeply miss him.
Yvonne Norris Nance
November 4, 2012
I am so sad to learn of Sto's passing. I have known him since we were 9 years old. I first met him when he walked into a church meeting and was wearing a very white suit. He was late, but looked at the adult leader and said, "OK you can start. I am here now." I knew this was a person I was going to like. Many memories through the years. RIP Sto. You were loved by so many.
Yvonne
Allan Nance
November 4, 2012
I will miss Sto and his humor. He always had something to say about almost any subject we might bring up. We shared time working on GHS Reunions together and he brought insight that was always refreshing. Rest in Peace my Friend.
Lois Ellis
November 4, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Sto's passing I use to run the Exxon Station right up from the cleaners and we spent many hours sitting up there just talking and he loved to tell me about his grandchildren,prayers to the family as you go through this difficult time you all have a great father that will be remembered always!
Kenneth Barnes
November 4, 2012
I was with Sto at Carolina, before transferring to East Carolina. We were in Phi Mu together and shared many fun time in the bank. So sorry to hear of his passing. May God bless and comfort all the family.
Jim McKay
November 4, 2012
For the last 30 years Sto has been one of my closest friends. We would sometimes go months without speaking, but always picked up were we left off. He was a true friend and I miss him greatly! My life is changed because of him. So grateful for his friendship!
Mike Fleming
November 3, 2012
Sorry...
Nita Fleming
November 3, 2012
So sorry to hear of Sto's passing. Many years of memories flood my soul. My heartfelt sympathy to his family.
November 3, 2012
Sto was part of my childhood, from Lindley Elementary through high school, then he was always around at GHS 59 reunions. Sad that he's gone. My sympathy to his children and grandchildren. Anne Bourne Eagle
November 3, 2012
Sue Johnson Hughes, classmate GHS
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515 North Elm Street, Greensboro, NC 27401
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