John P McPherson Sr.

John was born John Harrison McPherson on May 20, 1929 in Rockingham, NC to Amelia Patterson McPherson and Arthur Harrison McPherson. He grew up in Rockingham where he worked in his father's grocery store and wood yard where he learned a strong work-ethic. John's mother Amelia died when John was one year and eight days old. In 1947 he changed his name to John Patterson McPherson to honor her. In 1948, John enlisted in the US Navy where he served four years. These four years of service with the GI bill allowed him to attend NC State College for free. John graduated with a degree in Forestry.

John began his career with the US Forestry Service cruising timber. Next he became a Real Estate Appraiser earning the MAI designation. John opened his own business McPherson Realty in 1972. He retired in 2007.

John is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Frances Thrower McPherson; son, John McPherson, Jr and wife Alisa; son, Kurt McPherson and wife Lillie; and daughter, Karen McPherson Huntley; grandchildren, Ian McPherson, Hannah Huntley, Daniel Huntley, Sarah Huntley, P.J. McPherson and Sophie McPherson.

John was preceded in death by his mother, Amelia and father, Arthur; sisters, Ruth and Martha; and brothers, Lacy, Clarence, Troy and Joseph McPherson. John was proud to tell everyone that he had lived longer than anyone in his family.

John loved his family. John was kind, loving, good-hearted, clever, witty, intelligent and hard-working. He was a true Southern gentleman who was always said "Thank you kindly!". He will be greatly missed.

The family will have a visitation at 2pm and funeral service at 3pm on Sunday, July 1, 2018 at McEwen Funeral Home, 10500 Park Road, Charlotte, NC. Graveside service at 11:00 am on Monday, July 2, 2018 at Eastside Cemetery in Rockingham, NC.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to NC Zoo Society.