John was born in Warrenton, North Carolina on January 8, 1929. He was raised in Warrenton, NC and moved to Washington, NC in 1970. He started his career with Penders, Colonial Food Store in Warrenton, NC and was manager of grocery stores Big Star, Byrd’s, and Piggly Wiggly.
His wife Martha died recently on June 8, 2025.
He is survived by Pam (daughter) and Gordon Drews, their grandson David with Conyers and great-granddaughter Ophelia, grandson Matthew with Katherine and great-granddaughters Serenity and Anna Marie, and granddaughter Kathryn with Greg. John II (son) and Sherri Powell, their granddaughter Amanda, grandson John III “Trip” with Hannah, and granddaughter Leah with Jacob and great-grandsons Elijah and Isaiah. Philip (son) and Michelle Powell, grandson Nathan with Heather and great-grandsons Peyton, Skyler, and Hayden, and granddaughter Lara with Joseph.
We, the family, want to thank all our friends, our church family, Rockingham County Council on Aging and Transit, and especially the staff of Ancora (Hospice) for all your support, caring, and prayers.
There will be a Celebration of Life in Washington, NC on a future date.
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