John Corliss Fox Jr.

1953 - 2025

John Corliss Fox Jr.

Jun 3, 1953 - Feb 3, 2025

John Corliss Fox Jr. passed away Feb 3, 2024 after a long illness. He was the son of the late John Corliss Fox and the late Peggy Shepherd Fox. He was also preceded in death by his special niece, LeeAnn Baker. John was born June 3, 1953, in Miami, FL, and spent his childhood in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

He graduated from Florida State University, The Florida School of Banking at the University of Florida and the Wachovia Executive development program at Duke University. His 42 year banking career began in Florida at Sun Bank where he worked in a number of cities and different positions within the bank. He relocated to Winston-Salem, NC, in 1983 to join Wachovia Bank. Over the course of his 30-year banking career in Winston-Salem he held a range of regional commercial banking, corporate banking and corporate finance positions.

After Wachovia he joined First Horizon for a number of years. He then founded Woodfield Capital Partners and brought technology IT to the Triad. He loved working with small companies to solve business problems and he was committed to putting the needs of his clients first.

John was a strong believer in helping the community in which he lived. He served on a number of boards including SciWorks, The North Carolina Bankers Association, The Community Investment Corporation of the Carolinas, The Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce, Raymond James Bank, The Reynolda House Museum of American Art, The Elk River Club and The United Way of Forsyth County. He led the United Way Campaign in 2016 and served as Chairman of the Board from 2017-2019. He also served on the advisory boards of Brenner Children's Hospital, Ronald McDonald House and Winston-Salem Business Inc. It was always his hope that he contributed in some way to making the communities in which he lived better places to live and work.

John enjoyed golfing with his son and friends at Elk River and Forsyth Country Clubs. He was an active church member, first at Knollwood Baptist Church then at Centenary United Methodist Church.

He leaves behind his much-loved wife, Sheila Fulton Fox; and their wonderful son, John Corliss Fox III and special partner, Kara Kusterman. He was always proud of his family and loved them more than words could ever describe. His family, friends and church were so important to him. Also surviving are his sister-in-law, Linda Baker and her husband, Herbert, with whom they enjoyed many wonderful times together. His only regret is not having many more years to spend with all of them.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 6th at Centenary United Methodist Church with a reception immediately following the service at the church.

John and Sheila were very appreciative of all the support and love from family, friends and the Duke Medical staff through their valiant fight.

Donations may be made in his memory to the Fox Family Fund at the Winston Salem Foundation (751 West Fourth Street, Suite 200, Winston Salem, NC 27101 or wsfoundation.org) or to the charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be shared through www.salemfh.com.

Salem Funeral & Cremation Service

2951 Reynolda Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27106