Joseph P Fountain, Jr. died May 23, 2024 at The Sharon at Southpark at the age of 101. Joe was born in Salisbury, NC on February 24, 1923.
His parents were J.P. and Mildred Cornelison Fountain. From homes in Charlotte and Salisbury, they moved to Boston, MA were Joe started first grade. After many moves throughout New England and New York, Joe graduated from East Providence (R.I.) High School in 1940. During a visit to Salisbury he chose Davidson as his college and was enrolled in the ROTC program. His college life was interrupted by what he referred to as his “government paid trip to Europe” and accommodations in a foxhole at the Battle of the Bulge with the 78th Infantry, earning him a Purple Heart. After the war, he graduated from Davidson and worked in management at B. Altman’s, the great department store in New York City, for 5 years before deciding it was time to go south and “find a good Southern bride”. Joe returned to Charlotte, working for Efrid’s Department Store and later Belk Store Services until retirement.
He joined Covenant Presbyterian Church where he found Rosanna Barnes who became his wife in 1956. This happy union of 62 years was blessed with two children and three grandchildren, Joe III and son Cody, Sara F. McKee (Carlton) and children Mary Catherine (Kim) and Hank (Kat), After Rosanna’s death in 2017 he adopted into his family Allen Laymon, “the Kid”, and Dave and Mary Edna Buie. Joe also had many special friends at Covenant and at Sharon Towers, both residents and employees. The family deeply appreciates the love and devotion of all who entered into and touched his life.
A memorial service will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1000 East Moorehead St, Charlotte, June 1, 2024 at 11:00 with reception to follow. Memorials may be sent to Covenant Presbyterian Church, The Sharon at Southpark (formerly Sharon Towers) Residence Fund or a charity of your choice.