John Edward Foy

Mr. John Edward Foy, 83, of Johns Creek, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born on November 24, 1942, in Harlan, Kentucky, he was a beloved son of the late John Michael and Mildred Creech Foy. As the son of a coal miner and a schoolteacher, John was raised with a deep respect for hard work, education, humility, and perseverance. These values shaped the man he became and guided him throughout his life. John made Johns Creek, Georgia, his home more than 30 years ago, but his career carried him and his family to many places along the way. A proud graduate of the University of Kentucky, he served his country as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, where he was awarded a Bronze Star for his service. Those who knew him best understood that his military service was not something he spoke about often, but it remained a quiet source of pride that reflected his deep sense of duty, courage, and character. After returning home, John built a successful career as an executive with AT&T and later Lucent Technologies, retiring after 30 years of dedicated service. His work with AT&T led him and his family to live in Huntington and Parkersburg, West Virginia; Long Valley, New Jersey; and Manlius, New York, before eventually settling in Georgia. He approached his work the same way he approached life, with integrity, thoughtfulness, and a strong work ethic. A man of strong and steady faith, John taught Sunday School at the Catholic church during his children’s formative years, a reflection of the values he lived by every day. He found joy in life’s simple and meaningful pleasures, including cooking meals for family, getting lost in a good book, savoring a glass of red wine, and spending weekends exploring estate sales in search of unexpected treasures. He enjoyed thoughtful conversation, especially spirited discussions about politics, and often relaxed to the sounds of jazz music. He also loved golfing, traveling, and spending time in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky that always felt like home. A devoted fan of Kentucky basketball, he also enjoyed the tradition and excitement of horse racing. Above all, John cherished time with his family and treasured every moment with the love of his life, his wife, Tobey Ann Roark Foy. Together, they shared more than 58 wonderful years of marriage, a partnership built on love, laughter, and unwavering devotion. John was preceded in death by his parents, John Michael and Mildred Creech Foy, and his sister and brother-in-law, Catherine Louise and Gary Wayne Fox. He is lovingly survived by his devoted wife, Tobey Ann Roark Foy; his children and their spouses, Elizabeth Foy Spivey (Glenn), Catherine Foy Smith, and John Michael Foy (Michelle); his brother, Patrick Michael Foy (Tammy); and his six beloved grandchildren, John Wyatt Spivey, William Tobias Spivey, Alexandra Grace Smith, Samantha Raye Smith, Jackson Edward Smith, and Jerry Lewis (Trey) Bennett, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy. A Celebration of Life will be held on March 14, 2026, at Northside Chapel Funeral Directors and Crematory, 12050 Crabapple Road, Roswell, Georgia. Visitation will take place from 1:00–3:00 PM, followed by the Celebration of Life service from 3:00–4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in John’s memory to the Boys and Girls Club of Appalachia in Harlan, Kentucky.

John Edward Foy

November 24, 1942 - February 3, 2026