John Henry Foster

John Henry Foster, of Salisbury, NC, passed away at the age of 81 in his home on Thursday, December 7, 2023, of complications from Parkinson’s disease with his beloved wife, Francesca Foster, and daughter-in-law Erin Nowokunski, at his side. John was born in Mocksville to Henry Pinkston Foster and Ruth Mae Harris, both of whom preceded him in death. Raised in Greensboro, John graduated from Grimsley Senior High School (Greensboro Senior High School at the time) in 1960 and shortly thereafter entered the United States Postal Service as a postal clerk, working his way up to supervisor at the Bulk Mail Center in Greensboro, to finish his career as a Postmaster in Badin and China Grove, NC. Along his life journey, he loved learning about history, especially concerning the U.S. Presidents (whom he could name in order), the Civil War and World War II. A locomotion expert who preferred to travel by train, he could recite every Amtrak route and schedule in the U.S. and even had a train whistle as his doorbell! He also obtained the highest level as Master Mason in the Associated Free & Accepted Masons. His lifelong love of country music also led to his long-time passion of playing the steel guitar in regional country bands, most notably with Melvin Koontz and the New Country Sounds. He enjoyed many years living on High Rock Lake, where his Party Room above the lake was a gathering spot for all those who wanted to play a tune and socialize. Known affectionately to his friends as “Bubba,” he was always quick with a joke or smart remark to make everyone laugh. In addition to his wife Francesca, he is survived by his children John Henry “Andy” Foster, Jr., James Richard Foster, Peggy Ann Beswick (Tom) and her children, Brandon, Trey, and Brianna; stepchildren Daniel Nowokunski (Erin) and their children, Miya and Hayden, and Joanna Harrison and her child Maia; and his beloved toy poodle, Molly. John was very much loved by everyone, and this last train stop will leave everyone waiting to meet him at the next destination. The family will receive friends 10 – 11 a.m. Monday, December 11, 2023 at Summersett Funeral Home. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. in Summersett Memorial Chapel with Rev. Wayne Cobb officiating. Burial will follow in the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Cemetery. If desired, as an alternative to flowers, donations may be made to Trellis Supportive Care by calling (336) 768-3972 or directly online at https://www.trellissupport.org/content/ways-give. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Foster family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.