John Robert Persinger

1983 - 2008

BORN

1983

DIED

2008

John Persinger Obituary

In the early morning hours of Thursday, September 18, 2008, John Robert Persinger, 24, of Roanoke, Va., and formerly of Iron Gate, Va., went to be with his Lord and beloved Grandpa. John was born November 10, 1983, in Clifton Forge, Va., the only child of Kawahna "Ky" Clark Persinger and William R. Persinger. He was a grandson of Gloria Jean Gilley Clark and the late William "Bill" Taylor Clark. John was a unique and wonderful person to all who met him. He was homeschooled when he was younger due to a diagnosis of leukemia at nine years of age. He completed his schooling at ECPI Technical College of Roanoke and graduated when he was only seventeen years old. He did his internship with Cox Communications and while there, created a web site that they continue to use today. John was employed by Source4 as a computer engineer and was a project manager on catalog development for the company. John was a music lover and it was that talent that landed him a feature column with the Roanoke Times as the "Phantom Critic." He would visit various establishments to hear the local bands perform and then would critique them. He also enjoyed playing guitar, electric and acoustic, as well as bass. He performed with several bands and had the opportunity to play at a music festival at Madison Square Gardens in New York. John was in remission for 14 years when the leukemia returned in November of 2007. In addition to his mother, Ky Persinger; and his grandmother, Gloria Clark, both of Iron Gate; he is survived by a number of cousins, greataunts and uncles, and a host of friends and coworkers. He fought a courageous battle and touched many lives while he was here on earth. Words cannot express how much he will be missed. A memorial service will be conducted 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 21, 2008, in the chapel of Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge with the Reverend Roger Bush officiating. Interment will follow in Central Advent Christian Cemetery, Clifton Forge, Va. To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com.

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Published by Roanoke Times on Sep. 20, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for John Persinger

11 Entries

Mallory Banks

August 24, 2020

It’s been a long time now, but I had a dream about John last night and google led me here this morning. John and I met while working at Source4 and became quick friends. Even went on a couple dates to shows and a Batman movie he was a great friend and a thoughtful, funny person to be around. He brought me a lot of joy and great conversation over the years we knew one another, and now I’m a mom and it absolutely breaks my heart in a new way to think of losing one of my children. So, I just wanted you to know, mom to mom, that John is still in hearts and on minds all over the world

Kim T Waker (Wachovia Bank)

October 2, 2008

Ky, may the Lord continue to shadow you with His Grace and Mercy. May He keep his hands upon you and your family. May He bring joy and peace into your hearts during your time of sorrow. And may He bless and keep you.

Diana Crandall

October 1, 2008

I was so sorry to hear about John. He wrote a great review on my son's band, Electric Chameleon. He wrote about them just the way they would have liked listners to perceive them. His way with words and his ability to really "hit the nail on the head" was uncanny. He was so talented. Thank you for your son. The excitement and encouragement that his article inspired has led the group in a very positive direction and they have just released their first official CD (also won battle of the bands on WROV) God bless you and your family. I know John's with you in spirit.

Brenda Farrell

September 25, 2008

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.I will keep you in my prayers.

Marcia Justice

September 23, 2008

I would like to say how very sorry I'am to hear about John passing , my son Dale played in the band Frotter with him and he was a very nice and funny guy and I will never forget him. John could make you laugh, and as a mother i'm truely sadden by his loss . We love you john and we will miss you " rock heaven John "

Mrs. Marcia Justice ( Dales mom )

Nancy Goodfellow

September 22, 2008

Ky -
My daughter, Dana, worked with John several years and she depended on him greatly. She loved him like a second son and she told me often how much she thought of him and how hard he fought to regain good health. I also had the privilege of meeting him one time. My thoughts are with you, your mother and family.
Nancy Goodfellow

September 22, 2008

I am so sorry to hear about your loss of John. I encountered John as a student at ECPI Technical College in Roanoke and I have many great memories of him. It was always a pleasure in talking to him in room 105 as he switched computers from in the morning to the afternoon since he was here all day. I also loved his costume at Halloween. I always will remember him as a great student and a fun person to be around.

With Kindest Memories and regards,
George Matthews
Instructor

Sarah Curry

September 22, 2008

Ky, I would like to say how saddened I am to hear about John. You and I have become friends while working at Wachovia (First Union), you helped me through some VERY rough times with my son being terminally ill as well, you AND John were so wonderful to us. When you left the bank, I was lost, no one knew what I was feeling and I had no one to answer questions that came up. But God introduced me to some of the same people that you knew and I was able to keep in touch. When my son passed away, 9 years ago at the age of 16, you and the whole family showed up at our memorial--I knew we would be friends for life. And if I could EVER do anything for you, I would be there. And that holds true today, I now might have some answers to help you through this if you need them. You can contact me anytime day or night. My love and prayers are with you and your family at this time. I just hope that knowing that John and grandpa and Willie are keeping watch over us all now will bring you a little comfort at this very difficult time.
Friends for life

Marty Akers

September 21, 2008

Ky and Grandma Clark---I pray for both of you. I know I will miss John. He was a wonderful man. You were blessed and so was everyone who knew John. Our thoughts are with you.

Marty and Tom Akers (Heather's parents)

Portia Johnson

September 20, 2008

Ky,
I am sorry to hear about your loss, we worked together years ago at Wachovia but I can still hear you talk about John. Please remember to keep GOD first.

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