A Life of Service, Leadership, Faith & Legacy
John David Hawthorne, Jr., a distinguished soldier, educator, businessman, community leader, devoted family man, and faithful servant of God, entered eternal rest on Saturday, September 12, 2026, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.

Born on November 14, 1948, John was the eldest of six children born to the late Rosa and John D. Hawthorne, Sr. From his earliest years, he was destined to walk a path of courage, excellence, and purpose.

John grew up in Highlands County, Florida, during a defining and difficult period in American history. At a time when segregation created barriers for so many, John became a pioneer. In 1966, he made history as the first and only African American graduate of Lake Placid High School in his graduating class. His accomplishment was not simply a personal victory; it was a door opened for those who would follow.

Following high school, John pursued higher education at Florida A&M University, Tuskegee Institute, and ultimately returned to Florida A&M University, where he graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics in 1971. He was also a Distinguished Military Graduate and received his commission in the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant. Later, he earned a Master of Business Administration from Albany State University in 1984.

John's professional life reflected the extraordinary breadth of his gifts and talents. His career included work with NASA's Apollo Saturn Space Program as an Engineer Trainee, Ford Motor Company's Lincoln Mercury Division as a Zone Manager, and Procter & Gamble, where he served in management roles involving Pampers, Material Handling, and Human Resources.

He was also an entrepreneur, establishing businesses that included the Outer Limits Teen Center, Fallon's Hot Dog & Ice Cream Parlor, and a BP Convenience Store. His entrepreneurial spirit was rooted not merely in business, but in creating opportunities and contributing to the communities he served.

John's commitment to community and economic development led him to serve the City of Albany, Georgia, as Deputy Director of the Department of Community and Economic Development and Business Incubator Manager. He also served as Deputy Commandant of the 3294th United States Army Reserve Forces School and as an adjunct professor in the Business Department at Albany State University.

His professional journey later took him to Florida, where he served the City of Sarasota as Deputy Director of Planning and Redevelopment. He went on to serve Highlands County Habitat for Humanity as Chief Operating Officer and later as its Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director for five years. He also served the Sarasota Housing Authority as Construction Project Manager and Director of Asset Management.

His commitment to affordable housing, economic development, and community advancement continued through AHED Consulting Services, Inc., where he served as President and owner. His leadership also extended to the Florida Housing & Finance Corporation, where he served as a gubernatorial appointee to its Board of Directors.

A Distinguished Military Servant
Among the many chapters of John's remarkable life, his military career stands as a testament to his courage, discipline, intelligence, and commitment to country.

Commissioned through ROTC as a Distinguished Military Graduate on July 29, 1971, John served a total of 26 years in the United States Army, including both active and reserve service. He attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Field Artillery and permanently retired from military service on November 14, 2008.

John continued to break barriers throughout his military career. He became an African American officer graduate of the Pershing Missile School and served as one of the first African American commanders of a Pershing missile unit while stationed in Germany. His military education included the United States Army Field Artillery School, the Pershing Missile Officer Course, the Department of Defense/United States Army Europe Race Relations School, and the United States Army Command and General Staff Officer College.

He did not merely wear the uniform; he carried with him a commitment to excellence, leadership, and service that would define the rest of his life.

A Man of Faith
Beyond the titles, degrees, accomplishments, and honors was a man whose greatest foundation was his faith in God.

John was a devoted member of New Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Baconton, Georgia, where he served as Vice Chairman of the Deacons' Ministry and as Special Assistant to the Pastor. His faith was not simply something he professed—it was something he lived through service, compassion, leadership, and his commitment to others.

He also served on the Board of the Mitchell County House of Hope in Camilla, Georgia, continuing his lifelong dedication to strengthening his community and helping others find hope and opportunity.

A Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather & Great-Grandfather
While John's professional accomplishments touched communities and his military service touched a nation, his greatest earthly treasures were found within his family.

He was the beloved husband of Iris Allison Hawthorne, his cherished wife and companion. Together, they shared a life built upon love, faith, family, perseverance, and commitment.

John was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. To his family, he was more than the distinguished officer, executive, educator, entrepreneur, or community leader known by so many. He was husband, Dad, Granddad, great-grandfather, counselor, protector, encourager, and friend.

He possessed a wealth of knowledge and experience, but one of his greatest gifts was his willingness to share that knowledge with others. He understood the importance of opening doors, creating opportunities, and leaving people better than he found them.

John David Hawthorne, Jr. lived a life of purpose.

He broke barriers without allowing the barriers to define him.
He achieved excellence without forgetting where he came from.
He served his country without forgetting his family.
He built businesses while investing in people.
He led communities while remaining grounded in faith.
And he accomplished much, yet continued to believe that there was always more work to be done for the good of others.

His earthly journey has ended, but his influence has not.

The doors he opened will remain open.
The lives he touched will continue to tell his story.
The lessons he taught will continue through those he mentored.
And the love he gave will remain forever in the hearts of his family and friends.

As John takes his place among the saints, may those who knew and loved him find comfort in knowing that a life so richly lived can never truly be lost. His legacy lives on—in his family, in his community, in the institutions he served, in the opportunities he helped create, and in every life made better because he was here.

John David Hawthorne, Jr. fought a good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith.

His work on earth is complete.
His legacy is eternal.
Well done, thou good and faithful servant.