Jean Fox Caudle

Alma “Jean” Fox Caudle, 92, passed away on October 18, 2026, after a swift decline following a fall.

She was born in the Red Oak area of northern Buncombe Co. on December 12, 1933, and then spent her early childhood in Woodfin before moving to John Street in the South French Broad/Depot Street community near downtown Asheville. She had fond memories of growing up in the “old neighborhood,” walking to school with her brothers and to basketball games at the City Auditorium, and making lifelong friends among the neighbors who up until recently still held periodic reunions at Little Pigs BBQ on McDowell Street. One of the most poignant memories she shared was when news reached the neighborhood that World War II had ended – everyone gathered on their porches to celebrate, and an impromptu parade popped up at Pritchard Park. Being only 11 years old she wasn’t allowed to walk to the Park but she remembers the joyous celebrations on everyone’s porches. Another very special memory from the late 1940s was when she was walking with her brother to a basketball game in downtown Asheville and met the young man who would become her husband, Ray Caudle, whose mom ran a boarding house on Bartlett Street in the old neighborhood. They married on Ray’s birthday in 1954 and celebrated 63 years together until he passed in 2017.

After graduation from Lee Edwards (now Asheville) High School in 1952, Jean worked at local banks and then at Overnight Trucking Company before she and Ray opened a surplus and salvage business (R-JAM, coined after the first letters in their and their two children’s names). Their business operated on Broadway Street in downtown Asheville and Sweeten Creek Road in Biltmore. They were also the first tenants of the now-Antique Tobacco Barn on Swannanoa River Road. They were into vintage and “reduce, reuse, and recycle” before it was cool.

Jean was known for her bright pink lipstick, her nearly constant smile and ready laugh, and her love of Andy Griffith, Pat Boone, and all things Dolly (her cat was even named Dolly Parton). She tried to never miss a sporting event, play, or musical performance of any of her children or grandchildren. She was a quietly beautiful soul inside and out, a wonderful daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, and especially wife, mother, and of course her favorite role, Nanny. She will be missed terribly but it is comforting to know that she is now reunited with Ray and those who have gone before her.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Ray; parents, Nina (Hensley) and Arthur Fox; brothers, Arthur “Junior” and Bruce; and numerous other relatives and friends. Left to cherish her memory are son, Alan Caudle and his wife Donna; daughter, Melanie Pitrolo and her husband John; grandchildren, Nicole Davis and her husband Rex, Savannah Caudle, Ben Pitrolo and his wife Dora Tovar, and Elisabeth Pitrolo; and great-grandson, Gabe Davis.

Her family will receive friends beginning at noon on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Those in attendance are invited to wear something pink in honor of Mrs. Caudle and her favorite color. Pastor Robert Ponder will officiate. Burial will then take place at Ashelawn Gardens of Memory.

Flowers are appreciated or donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.