Dennis Fox Obituary

Dennis Bryan Fox, Jr.

August 31, 1943 - July 4, 2025

MADISON - The Rev. Dennis Bryan Fox, Jr. 81, a retired United Methodist minister, died July 4, 2025 at Countryside Manor in Stokesdale, NC.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Madison United Methodist Church in Madison, N.C. with an inurnment at the Stokesdale United Methodist Church Cemetery Columbarium at a later date.

Bryan was born August 31, 1943 the son of Dr. Dennis B. Fox and Dora Helen Jones Fox, in Nashville, Tennessee. He graduated from Albemarle Senior High School, Class of 1961. Growing up in Albemarle, NC, Brian practiced on the piano his father bought for him and he became an accomplished musician while studying piano for 12 years. Music and playing piano were at the center of his life. He accompanied his high school chorus.

In addition to academic high school graduation requirements, Bryan was the recipient of the "Paderewski Gold Medal in Piano" which was his high school diploma in music. After graduating Albemarle High School, Brian attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated from Pfeiffer College in 1966 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in church music. After college he served as organist/choir director at the First United Methodist Church in Wadesboro, NC as well as Choral Director at Wadesboro High School.

He married a Wadesboro native, Jeannie Lee Cashion, on June 13, 1967. Leaving Wadesboro, Bryan entered Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, South Carolina, receiving a Master of Divinity degree in May, 1971.

From 1971 through 2007, Bryan served as associate pastor or senior pastor in 10 different United Methodist appointments including Trinity (Kannapolis), South Randolph (Flag Springs, New Hope,(Pisgah), Shiloh (Granite Quarry), Tryon, Stokesdale, St. John's (Greensboro), First-Liberty 2 Grove (Liberty), Newlyn Street (Greensboro), Northeast Winston (Mt. Pleasant, Oak Summit) and Bethesda (Pine Hall). After retirement in 2007, Pastor Bryan and Jeanne moved to Madison, N.C. to live. Bryan returned to the pulpit for two stints as interim Pastor at both Mt. Carmel and Bethesda churches. He and Jeannie adopted Madison United Methodist Church as their new church home where Bryan sang in the choir and, occasionally when needed, played piano or organ and delivered messages from the pulpit.

Bryan was a kind-hearted and pleasant soul who smiled and loved to make others smile. He often called others by telephone to sing a personal Happy Birthday on their special day. He played piano and organ at home for fun. His last favorite was Scott Joplin's "The Entertainer" from the movie The Sting which he memorized and joyfully performed at the slightest asking. He met regularly with his iteration of the local ROMEOs. Bryan's wife Jeannie predeceased him in 2018. As Bryan's health declined he was well cared for both at home and later at Countryside Manor. He was particularly fond of the ladies at Countryside who spoiled him with their attention.

Surviving Bryan is his brother, William Shaver Fox (Julie) of Winston Salem, N.C.

Memorials may be made to Madison United Methodist Church, 110 West Academy Street, Madison N.C. 27025.

Colonial Funeral Home in Madison is serving the family.

Colonial Funeral Home and Chapel INC

127 Ellisboro Road Madison, Nc 27025