John William Justus

Born the fourth child of John Henry Justus, a Baptist preacher, and Mary Pearl Connor Justus, a school teacher, on April 23, 1939, in Dahlonega, Georgia, a picturesque small town in the north Georgia mountains. He grew up in this quiet place in a simpler time with the values of Christian faith, family, selflessness, honesty and devotion instilled deep within him.

As an adult, he moved to Atlanta and began working. In late 1963, he was set up on a blind date with Sharon, and that first date came to be the beginning of their 60-year love story. They were married a few short months later on May 31, 1964. Their love grew strong from this initial spark, never wavering or faltering through the very end. Their union, the very definition of complete and total devotion to one another.

Four years later they welcomed their son, Craig, followed four years after by their daughter, Kim. John’s middle years were spent working hard to provide for his family and effortlessly being the kind of spouse and father everyone should have. His career accomplishments were significant, rising to the position of President of Shea and Company, where he spent 27 years of his career. Later finding success as a small business owner.

As time passed and the nest became empty, grandchildren soon filled it again. His first grandchild, Rebecca, was born in 1996, followed three years later by Ashley in 1999. His third grandchild, Ian, was born in 2021.

As a father and grandfather, in particular, John had a lot of wisdom to impart. It seemed that there was nothing that he could not do well. No matter the lesson, John was always the most patient and soft-spoken teacher and his family’s biggest encourager.

He enjoyed fishing in the lake behind their home, but even more so, loved teaching his granddaughters to fish. It is probably a safe bet that no fish were ever harmed in any of those outings because fishing really was not the top priority. Spending time with family was, and whatever would enable him to be with them was what he enjoyed.

John was a truly devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was deeply loved by so many, and he loved back just as much. Tirelessly available for anyone who needed him, his actions spoke volumes. His infectious smile, quick wit, selfless devotion and gracious humility will always be remembered and profoundly missed.

John is preceded in death by his siblings, Jewell, Lewis, Lucille, Eugene, and Robert.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Bradley Justus; son, William Craig (Lea), daughter, Kimberly Susan and grandchildren, Rebecca Meagan, Ashley Marie and Ian William.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, June 6, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at H.M. Patterson & Son-Canton Hill, 1157 Old Canton Road NE, Marietta, Georgia 30068. A celebration of John’s life will take place on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at 11:00 AM in the chapel at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, 955 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta, Georgia 30068.

A second visitation will occur Thursday, June 8, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Lovein Funeral Home, 1218 Adel Hwy, Nashville, Georgia 31639 followed by a graveside service on Friday, June 9, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Poplar Springs Baptist Church Cemetery, Poplar Springs, Church Road, Nashville, Georgia 31639.

H.M. Patterson & Son-Canton Hill is honored to serve the Justus family during this difficult time.