Chaplain Lt. Col. Winston Prentice Fox USAF (Ret)

Born in Rome, Georgia, he was the youngest of six children of W.D. “Shorty” and Mary Alice Helton Fox. He graduated from Carson-Newman College in 1953 and later earned a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, as well as a Master’s degree from Mississippi State University.

In 1955, he married Sara Margaret Leggette in Lumberton, North Carolina. In 1958, he was called to serve as a chaplain in the United States Air Force, where he ministered to service members and their families for 26 years before retiring in 1983. He continued his calling in pastoral ministry and teaching following his military service.

After Sara’s passing in 1991, he married Nancy Fields in 1993, and they shared over 32 years together. In 2011, they moved to Aberdeen, North Carolina, where he was an active member of Aberdeen First Baptist Church.

Chaplain Fox had a lifelong passion for tennis. He was an accomplished player and instructor, earning recognition as a U.S. Air Force European Senior Champion and teaching many over the years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sara; sisters Juanita Fuller, Virginia Richey, and Katherine Simmons; and brothers Billy and Fremont Fox.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Fox of Aberdeen, NC; his son, Neil Fox (Debi) of Palmer, Alaska; stepchildren Tammy (Ron), Darryl, and Julia (Lee); grandchildren Kyle and Hannah of Alaska, and Stefanie, Kristian, and John Lee of South Carolina; and great-grandchildren Marcus, Adeline, and Alivia of Alaska, and Charlotte and Claire of South Carolina.

Visitation will be held at Aberdeen First Baptist Church, 700 N Sandhills Blvd, Aberdeen, NC 28315, on March 20, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A graveside service with full military honors will be held at Meadowbrook, 2400 North Walnut Street, Lumberton, North Carolina 28358, on March 21, 2026, at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Aberdeen.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Crumpler Funeral Home of Raeford.