John Davis Lefler III

John Davis Lefler III, 79, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, August 26, 2024. John was born July 18, 1945, in Albemarle, North Carolina to John Davis Lefler, Jr. and Blondie Raulerson Lefler, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 48 years, Jan Carol Branton Lefler, his true partner in life. He is survived by his two daughters, Carol Lefler Sharpe (Matt), and Susan Lefler; grandchildren, Maddie Sharpe Braud (Jonathan), John Davis Sharpe (Kaylee), Mary Carol Sharpe, Emma Kate Sharpe, and Elizabeth Sharpe, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

John was one of the good guys, a man of his word and of his faith. He spoke the truth, cared deeply, and loved unconditionally. John was a loyal man and had the most contagious laugh. He always saw the good in others, and despite the physical and mental tests of being Jan’s primary caregiver in the latter stages of her life, and his own worsening illnesses, he never complained or fell victim to self-pity. Even in his last weeks of life, Susan, his primary caregiver, was always able to get a smile out of him and he never failed to blow Carol a kiss each time she had to leave for home.

John was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He loved Jan so much and the two of them could cut quite a rug dancing until Jan became too ill to continue. He taught his girls by example, taking them to church every time the doors were open, and teaching them the basics of gardening, the joy of growing and sharing flowers, and some mechanics. He and Jan loved their grandchildren immensely, travelling to their various ball games, homecoming courts, piano recitals, birthday parties, graduations, and weddings. John was a premier example of devotion to his faith, his family, and the benefit of hard work. As a teenager, John began working on cars, his lifelong vocation and hobby. He received an associate's degree in auto mechanics from Hinds Community College. John was meticulous and his attention to detail made him perfect for that vocation. He began 40 years of work at Sperry Vickers/Eaton Corporation afterward, building engines of various sizes for aircraft and other vehicles, and performing necessary maintenance and repairs on those machines. John retired from the company to spend more time with Jan, his girls, and his grandchildren.

John was an avid car enthusiast, working on cars for himself and others, repairing engines, rebuilding carburetors, replacing brakes, and devouring various auto repair magazines to learn as much as he could. He later owned a 1972 Chevy Chevelle, which he and Jan enjoyed taking to car shows all over Mississippi.

John was a member of First Methodist Church in Richland for over 20 years. His church family will sorely miss him.

The family would like to thank Susan Lefler for her care and devotion to John during the last years of his life. She has been amazing. They also thank the many other caregivers who made his final months of life so much more comfortable, especially the physicians, nurses, aides, technicians, and chaplains of Vital Caring Group.

Visitation will be Thursday, August 29, 2024, from 1:00-3:00 p.m., with a Celebration of Life service at 3:00 p.m. at First Methodist Church in Richland, MS. John will be buried alongside his bride, Jan, at Lakewood Memorial Park in Jackson.