Jonathan R. "Jack" Fallis

Mr. Jonathan R. “Jack” Fallis, of Mount Airy, passed away Sunday, September 18, 2022, after 97 years of a life full of joy, laughter, and good books.

Jack was born May 26, 1925, in New Rochelle, NY, where his lifelong love of his hobbies, which he referred to as “The Three Bs, baseball, books, and bluegrass,” began.  One of Jack’s first jobs was working in the sports department of a New York City newspaper.  He recalled, “I was quite knowledgeable about Major League Baseball, so naturally they stuck me in the horseracing department where I knew nothing and wanted to know nothing.”  His career took a sharp turn when he drove a $25.00 car to Wisconsin and worked for several seasons as an activities and entertainment director at a dude ranch.  “For a single fellow, that was quite the job, if ‘job’ is the correct word.”

He eventually settled in Biloxi, MS, and entered the real estate business.  There, he met his wife, Hazel, at a square dance.  The couple married and started raising a family on a country bayou.  They eventually moved to New Jersey and another career change for Jack with the United States Postal Service.  In the late ‘80s, Jack and Hazel retired to Mount Airy and operated the Mayberry Bed and Breakfast for 13 years.  Jack’s most enjoyable job was as a DJ at WPAQ in Mount Airy, where he played big band music of the ‘40s and ‘50s.

Jack was preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years, Hazel Cabaniss Fallis; his parents, Charles E. and Rose K. Fallis; a brother, Charles “Buddy” Fallis; and two sisters, Ruth Sandberg and Merrie Convery.

Jack is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Donna and Mark Zehnbauer of Glen Gardner, NJ, and Cynthia Beatty of Blacksburg, VA; a sister, Julia Weidhass of State College, PA; and six grandchildren with whom he enjoyed countless raucous card games around the dining room table, Jonathan Zehnbauer, Timothy Zehnbauer, Adam Zehnbauer, Megan Beatty, Emily Beatty, and Julia Beatty.  Jack is also survived by his devoted friend, Ricky Smith.

The family asks that if you are so moved, you may make a donation to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 1427 Edgewood Drive, Suite 101, Mount Airy, NC  27030.

Not fully entrusting the writing to his daughters, Jack penned much of this obituary prior to his death.

Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.  Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.