John Elwood Fox Jr.

Published 11:39 am Monday, January 13, 2025

CAPRON – John Elwood Fox Jr., known by family and friends as “John Elwood,” “Jeer” or “Nutcracker,” 95, of Capron, passed away on Jan. 10, 2025, at his home on “Sandhill.” Born in Drewryville, Virginia on July 15, 1929, John was the son of the late John Elwood Fox Sr. and Elizabeth Trent Fox.

John attended Capron Elementary School, Hargrave Military Academy and graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 1954. While attending VPI he was on the Honor Court and in the Corp of Cadets. After graduation, John entered the Marine Corps and subsequently the United States Army as a Captain.

John Elwood Fox Jr.

John was a farmer and owner operator of Fox Peanut Sheller. He not only shelled peanuts, cleaned soybeans, shelled butterbeans and fried peanuts, but was also a babysitter extraordinaire, provider of snacks and RC Colas to his beloved grandsons, professional Swing Sitter and “Flicker.” Nutcracker entertained many customers through the years including Will Geer, better known as Grandpa Walton.

John was a former member of Capron Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School. He coached the Capron Little League Baseball Team and was the first coach to allow girls.

John was a Justice of the Peace. He wrote many tickets including to his favorite race car driver Richard Petty. He was a Board Member and President of Southampton Education Association from 1964 – 1965, a Board Member of Waverly Farm Credit Association then on to Colonial Farm Credit Association, a member of Capron Ruritan Club and President of Indiantown Hunt Club for 24 years. He was the oldest living member at the time of his death. He was a member of the Southampton County Agricultural and Forestry Museum and was part owner and founder of Southampton Motor Speedway.

John is survived by his wife of over 70 years, June; sons, John Powell Fox and Jefferey Miles Fox; grandsons, Jay Fox and wife Carrie, Peter Fox and wife Yuko, Sam Fox and wife Alexis, Joseph Fox and Haleigh Pinto, Taylor Fox and Emily Rountree, Joel Fox; six great-grandchildren; his brother William Trent Fox and wife Joanne, sister Marilyn Fox Roach and predeceased by sister Betty Fox Mapp.

The family thanks his wonderful caregiver, Stephanie Bunn whom he called “Sunshine.”

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16 in Wright Funeral Home with William Hart Gillette officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the funeral home and at Indiantown Hunt Club following the service. Burial will be private.

Memorials may be made to Southampton Agricultural and Forestry Museum located at 26315 Heritage Lane Courtland, Virginia 23837 and Capron Volunteer Fire Department.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org