Obituary of Gerald George Fox

Gerald George “Jerry” Fox, Sr., 91 years young joined Jesus and his wife of 57 years, Dolores“Dee” Condon Fox, on Wednesday, March 27th, 2024. Jerry was born November 11, 1932, in Chicago to Dolores and John Fox. He attended Mary D. Bradford High School and in 1950 he played High School football as an offensive lineman for the great college and NFL fullback Alan Ameche. He graduated from Beloit College in Wisconsin where he attended on an academic and football scholarship. In 1953 the team was untied and undefeated, ending the season at 8-0. It was the first time in the school’s history. In 1954, Jerry was a Co-Captain of the team. He was also the President of his college fraternity, Phi Kappa Psi the same year. Following graduation in 1956, he was drafted by the US Army, serving in Germany.

After the Army he headed to the University of Kansas where he obtained his Master’s degree in Public Administration. He began his career as an Assistant City Manager in San Antonio where he met the love of his life, Dolores “Dee” Condon. After career stops in Ennis, Texas; Camden and Fayetteville, Arkansas and Wichita Falls, Texas. He brought his family to Charlotte.

Jerry served as the Mecklenburg County Manager from 1980 – 2000. Charlotte and Mecklenburg County exploded with growth under his management. His deep love of the Arts called him to support and cultivate the growth of Charlotte’s opera, symphony and ballet programs which thrived with Jerry at the helm of their boards. He was a significant force in bringing the Carolina Panthers to Charlotte. He continued to support and cheer on the Panthers as a PSL owner attending as many games as he could until health issues restricted him. He enjoyed his fall Saturdays watching the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame and his Sundays with family watching the Panthers and NASCAR.

In 2012, honoring his many years in government service, UNC Charlotte renamed its Master of Urban Administration program to the Gerald G, Fox Master of Public Administration program. Since the 2012 renaming, and the establishment of the Fox Endowment Fund, the program has flourished in no small part due to his leadership and support. On August 1, 2019, MPA Alum and Chair of the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners, George Dunlap presented Jerry with a county proclamation declaring August 1, 2019 “Jerry Fox Day” in Mecklenburg County.

Jerry was truly a servant with a huge heart, leaving behind a legacy of service and love for the community. His grandchildren have fond memories and a firm foundation for the importance of serving from the days of working in the Soup Kitchen with their Papa.

Jerry “Papa” and Dee “Grandee” enjoyed making memories at their second home in Wild Dunes with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. These are some of the greatest memories, in one of the most beautiful places, they will enjoy for years to come and a place where Papa and Grandee will live on forever.

Married for 57 years, he and Dolores shared three children; Stephen (Karen) Fox of Dallas; Gerald G “Skip” (Kelly) Fox, Jr. of Huntersville and Carol (Patrick) Laratta of Tampa. He was Papa to eleven grandchildren; Maria Laratta (Adam) Pendleton; John (Leah) Laratta; Gabrielle Laratta (Craig) Boster; Sophia Laratta; Austin Fox, Abby Fox (Garrison) Sansbury; Preston (Katherine) Fox; Brandon Fox (fiancé Becca Brennan); Connor Fox; Kendall Fox and Kylie Fox.

He was also Papa to three step grandsons, William and Slate (Kelsea) Brinkley and Sam Hart (fiancé Audra Harman) Minor. He was also blessed to be a great grand Papa to Lucy, Brett and Rylee Pendleton; Reagan, Jameson and Aiden Laratta; Lily and Henry Boster; Makenna and Evie Fox; Sawyer and Wells Brinkley.

Jerry was a fun and loving brother to Vince Fox (Ruth) and Jack Fox (Grace) who preceded him in death, as well as several nieces and nephews in Wisconsin.

The family wishes to thank all of his very dear friends that visited and called to keep his spirits up through these last few months, including his beloved Geezers group. – All of you are family. An excerpt from Jerry’s retirement speech in 2000 - “In the twilight of life, God will not judge us on our earthly possessions and human successes, but rather on how much love we have.” – Jerry quoting gospel writer Saint John. “I should pass God’s judgment with flying colors because of my love for this community, the county organization and my job.” – Jerry Fox

“Well done, good and faithful servant” – Matthew 25:23

Visitation will be held at Hankins and Whittington Funeral Service April 25th from 4-6:30pm with the funeral mass being held 2 pm Friday, April 26th at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in uptown Charlotte; 507 South Tryon Street. Arrangements are under the direction of Hankins and Whittington Funeral Service, 1111 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203.

Online condolences may be made at www.HankinsandWhittington.com.

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