Chris Fountain

Chris Fountain had a smile that could light up any room, whether he was encouraging a beloved student, cracking an inevitably inappropriate joke, or passionately cheering on the Clemson Tigers. Those lucky enough to be on the receiving end, or simply in the presence of his smile, will miss it fondly. Chris passed Sunday, August 11, 2024, at UVA Health University Hospital in Charlottesville, Virginia. He was 68 years old. He was born February 12, 1956 in Salisbury, Maryland to two loving parents, Bob and Fran, and the third of seven children. Chris graduated from Clemson University and moved to Staunton, VA. In town he was known by many as “Fountain” and will be remembered for his presence, laughter and compassion as co-owner of McCormick’s Pub & Restaurant and later Luigi’s. Chris loved to talk, and he was always the funniest person in the room. He had a wicked sense of humor and a tender heart, a dynamic combo. He was a man of deep thoughts and simple pleasures. He was happiest passing his time with a cold beer, cigarette in hand, book in his lap, and a dog by his feet. He loved sports, and proudly showed off the faded Clemson Tiger paw tattoo spanning his bicep. He loved to talk on the phone with his siblings and sit on his porch with his neighbors and friends. He loved to read but rarely, if ever, bought new books, choosing to load up on dozens of well-worn paperbacks from thrift stores and the library. He’d often be half way through another Grisham thriller before realizing he’d read it before. He loved his dog, Ginger, who was never far from him. He loved the mountains and Staunton, the town he called home and loved so dearly. He loved his house which was covered with photos, memorabilia, books, and a little something to remind him of everything and everyone he loved. He spoke often and proudly of his role as an instructional aide at Shelburne Middle School, a role for which he was recognized as support staff of the year in 2017 for Staunton City Schools. He was known for his kindness, dedication, passion and taking spirit days seriously. He loved his students and fought for them at every turn, asking his niece to teach him how to use Google Drive over the summer so he could better support them. That was Chris, always going to bat for the people he loved. And there were so many people he loved. He never met a stranger he couldn’t charm or make laugh. Whether it was a customer at Luigi’s or a coworker having a difficult day, Chris treated everyone like family. He made people feel seen and heard as if they were just another member of his large family. He loved his family whom he visited at every opportunity. He took holidays seriously and would show up to Christmas dinner in his best suit . . . a Christmas Lights blazer, Santa hat, Christmas tree tie and bright green shoes. With a sarcastic grin and a beer in hand he read Twas the Night Before Christmas to his nieces and nephews. That was Chris, showing up loudly for the people he loved. The beloved brother, the hilarious uncle, the kind friend, the dedicated worker, the quick witted smart-aleck — he will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know him. Chris will be lovingly remembered by his six siblings — Flossie Harvie, Columbia, SC, Geof, Kill Devil Hills, NC, Laura Holmes, Southern Shores, NC, Kathy Tabb, Norfolk, VA, David, Mesa, AZ, Trish Fountain, Kill Devil Hills, NC, 11 nieces and nephews, 4 great nieces and nephews, a host of cousins, extended family members and treasured friends. Chris is preceded in death by his parents Frances Sheehan Fountain and Robert Fielder Fountain III. The family would like to give their sincerest appreciation to two of Chris’ dearest friends Cylina and Mira who provided him friendship, love, and support. A celebration of Chris’s life will be held on September 14th at 3 pm at the Mills Street Grill, 1 Mill St., Staunton. Please join us to hear and share Chris stories. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to one or two of Chris’s favorite organizations. Donations to Shelburne Middle School, C/O Donna Morris, 300 Grubert Ave., Staunton, VA 24401. Students have requested books about trains, wild animals, construction vehicles, Scooby doo, and beautiful artworks. The reading level needed is grades K-2, so early readers, picture storybooks (for young readers), and alphabet books will be perfect for our exceptional students. Also books for age groups 10 to 14 are welcomed. Books can be ordered on Amazon and shipped to the school’s address. Or if you have books you want to donate, you can ship them. If you plan on attending the celebration, you can leave books at the venue. Or you can drop them by one of his favorite Staunton downtown restaurants called the Baja Bean Co on 8 North Augusta Street where you can share Chris stories with owner Sara Lynch, a longtime dear friend of Chris’s. Once books arrive at the school, a memorial sticker for Chris will be placed on them and then placed in the library. or Donations to Augusta Dog Adoptions, 4224 Wakefield Rd. Richmond, Va 23235 (*indicate in memory of Chris Fountain in the memo.) or you can also donate online at www.augustadogadoptions.org but would need to contact ADA to let them know the donation was in memory of Chris. Their contact email: [email protected]