Born: November 17, 1936, Manchester, VT
Died: May 17, 2022, Little River, SC
Preceded in-death by a son, John Howard Hartwell, Jr., parents Ira and Dorothy Hartwell, and brothers, Ira (Jr.) and Edward Hartwell
Survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Jean C. Hartwell, son Joel H. Hartwell (wife Susan) and grandsons Harrison and Andrew Hartwell.
John and his brother joined the US Army together in 1957. While attending the Infantry Officer Advance Course at Fort Benning, GA, John met his future wife, Jean Caines. Quickly realizing Jean was the love of his life, they were married in June, 1964. After twenty years of active service, John retired from the Army February, 1977, and moved with his family to Columbia, SC. John became a General Contractor and later a Greens Superintendent. In 1981, he moved to North Myrtle Beach, to become manager of the Sea Gull Motel, a job he held until the motel was sold in 1999. In 1998 he built their retirement home in Little River, SC. From the time they built their home until his health would no longer allow, John was an active volunteer at Vereen Gardens, was on Vereen Historical Gardens Committee, and the Evergreen Heights Homeowners Association. You could find John doing whatever was needed from cleaning trails and grounds to committee work.
John enjoyed all sports, but he especially loved golf. He coached his sons’ baseball teams and taught them how to play golf. He instilled in them the same love for the game he enjoyed and this passion has been passed down to his grandsons. Golf is something they could always enjoy together.
Visitation will be on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Memorial Service at 10:30 at Lee Funeral Home and Crematory, 11840 Highway 90, Little River, SC 29566.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the charity of your, your local Hospice organization, or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Please share memories and condolences at www.leefhandcrematory.com
