Dr. John Edward McCormack DVM

John was born on May 24, 1935, in Elkton, TN to George Edward and Martha Stevenson McCormack who instilled in him a strong work ethic, an insatiable quest for knowledge, a keen sense of humor and a deep love for family and his faith.

John married the love of his life, Janice Smith in December of 1957, beginning a 62-year partnership based on love, respect and lots of laughter. They were blessed with 3 children, Tom, Lisa, and Paul, in whom they vested the importance of family, health, reputation, friends and pick-up trucks – with of course family mattering the most!

John graduated from Pulaski High School, The University of Tennessee and received his DVM from Auburn University in 1960, returning to Auburn from private practice to receive his DVM-Masters in 1972 and his PhD in Theriogenology in 1978.

John spent his early years practicing Veterinary medicine in rural Alabama where he cultivated many life-long friendships. John’s regular visits in the farming communities allowed him to spend valuable time at many a kitchen table where beneficial consultation took place, ideally taking nourishment, especially around noontime!

John left private practice in 1970, to share his passion and knowledge of caring for creatures great and small with hundreds of Veterinary students from Auburn, UGA, LSU and California-Davis. He received the Most Outstanding Clinician Award from the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine as well as the College of Veterinary Medicine at California – Davis. In 1994, John was named Veterinarian of the Year for the Georgia Cattleman’s Association (an organization and membership he cherished) and in 1995, he was named the OTS Dr. Fred Davison Award Recipient. The impact John had on his students has rippled to generations of amazing Veterinary practitioners across the country. John also proudly served his country as a member of the US Army Reserves, and was an active participant in the Methodist Church throughout his life as demonstrated with memberships in Elkton UMC, First UMC of Butler, First UMC of Greensboro and Tuckston UMC. He enjoyed singing in the choir, which he knew would have made his mother very happy.

John was a noted author and shared his immense humor with his fans across the globe. He penned over 200 articles and humorous stories in the Hoard’s Dairyman, veterinary publications and even local newspapers. He eventually published a collection of the Hoard’s Dairyman short stories known as Watch for A Cloud of Dust I and II. His writing career culminated with the publication of a series of beloved novels, Fields and Pastures New, A Friend of the Flock, Hero of the Herd, and finally the cherished book of Christmas stories, Santa Makes House Calls.

In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his sister, Frances McCormack Tankersley.

Left to cherish his memory and retell his tales are his wife of 62 years, Janice Smith McCormack; daughter, Lisa Yee (Wayne Eklund); sons, Tom McCormack (Mary) and Paul McCormack (Kim), as well as grandchildren: Christine (David), Dillon, Maddie, Calli, Cassi, Cort and great-grandchildren: Bella, John Tucker and Mason; brother-in-law: Frank Tankersley, Milton Dixon Smith (Jane) and beloved nieces, nephews and cousins; as well as an extensive network of cherished family and friends.

Funeral services will be Friday, December 13 at 1 p.m. at Tuckston United Methodist Church in Athens, GA, with the Rev. Dr. John Brown officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. A reception will immediately follow the funeral service. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Tuckston UMC, 4175 Lexington Rd., Athens, GA 30605, or to Elkton UMC, 149 Church St., Elkton, TN 38455.

In John’s honor, enjoy a Moon Pie and RC Cola while sharing a hearty laugh with family and friends.

Bernstein Funeral Home, Athens, GA, is in charge of arrangements.