John Keck, 73, handed away on April 14, 2025, as a result of problems following a lung transplant.
John is survived by his spouse, Susie, who was blessed to be by his facet for 51 years. Their love story started when he wooed her from behind the counter of a ironmongery shop when she was simply 18, and from that second on, they had been inseparable.
John additionally leaves behind his son, Logan, and daughter, Kristi, together with their spouses, Melissa and Jay, all of whom thought of him Dad. A person of many titles, his proudest was “Papa John,” the identify given to him by his seven grandchildren – Ruby (15), John Ambrose (14), Emeka John (14), Jubilee (12), Riley (12), Glory (9), and Nova (4). (Sure, each of his grandsons had been named after him). He additionally leaves behind his older brother, David, and youthful sister, Carol, whom he cherished dearly.
John was a extremely revered businessman, retiring in 2016 as president of the Show Division at Pratt Industries. His skilled journey spanned greater than 4 a long time and included management roles at Mead Packaging, Chesapeake Show and Packaging, and Smurfit-Stone. He started his profession in accounting, transitioning to gross sales and advertising whereas rising by way of the ranks to government administration. John held a BSBA in accounting with a minor in finance from Appalachian State College and accomplished the Government Administration Program on the College of North Carolina.
Although his profession was filled with accomplishments, it was in retirement that John really thrived. He and Susie traveled the world collectively, visiting all 50 states and 54 international locations. His coronary heart, nonetheless, belonged to Holden Seaside, North Carolina, the place your complete household would collect annually to play playing cards, watch sunsets, and spend lengthy, joyful days by the ocean. Nearer to house, he was a well-recognized and cherished face at Ashton Hills Golf Membership, the place he loved trivia nights and Friday dinners with pals and neighbors in Covington Place.
To be cherished by John was to be pranked by him. He had an infectious giggle and a mischievous streak—whether or not he was planting faux snakes, leaping from behind corners, or dumping ice water into showers. He cherished to giggle, and much more so, to make others giggle.
An avid bike owner, John served as President of the Covington Conyers Biking Membership and routinely logged over 100 miles per week. His dedication to neighborhood was simply as enduring. He served on the board of Newton Trails, spearheading fundraising for the Alcovy River Bridge mission which created 14.25 miles of steady paved path on the Cricket Frog Path. He additionally served on the board of Motion Ministries, a non-profit searching for to finish the cycle of poverty for deprived youngsters, supplied assist to the Newton County Boys and Ladies Membership, organized golf tournaments benefitting the Georgia Transplant Basis, and gave his time to many different charitable causes.
John shall be remembered as a humble man with deep integrity, a beneficiant spirit, and boundless love. His presence was bigger than life, and his absence shall be deeply felt by all who knew and cherished him.
A service to honor John shall be held on Could 3 at 4 p.m. at Legion Discipline, adopted by a celebration of life on the Village Grille at Ashton Hills at 5:30 p.m., the place pals and family members are invited to share their favourite recollections. In lieu of flowers, donations might be made to Centre Presbyterian Church in Mooresville, North Carolina or Newton Trails.
