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A celebration of life service for Mr. John Malachi Mobley will be held on Saturday, March 21 at 3:00 p.m. at Wilson Funeral Home, 3000 N. 29th Street, Tampa, Florida with Rev. Christopher Jarnigan, Officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guards. There will be a viewing on Saturday (1 hour prior to the service) from 2:00-3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida.John Malachi Mobley was born on May 15, 2001, to Stephen Andrew Mobley and Francine Tilman in Fort Campbell, Tennessee, near the end of his parents’ military careers. Soon after his birth, the new family moved to Texas, both his parents attended Texas Southern University, raising their young son while building the foundation for their future. During this time, they also adopted a small dog named Pub, an energetic Jack Russell Terrier who kept John busy and entertained.After graduating, John’s family decided to move back to the East Coast and settle in Florida. John attended Thonotosassa Elementary School, where his grandmother, Marjorie Mobley, was a teacher. He spent much of his early childhood in Tampa before later moving to Orlando. He later made a big move to the West Coast with his mother, where he spent his other elementary years living between Arizona and California, experiences that helped shape his curious and adaptable spirit.Finally, at the age of 12, John moved to Philadelphia with his father and quickly fell in love with the energy and excitement of the big city. During his time in Philadelphia, John attended Tredyffrin/Easttown Middle School and Conestoga High School, where he joined the football team and easily built friendships thanks to his outgoing personality and quick sense of humor. John was known as a jokester with an infectious laugh who could brighten any room. For a brief time, he even explored a small rap career. His father jokingly said that John might not have the vocals, his lyrics were clever, witty, and full of personality. During this time, John also held his first real job working at a local grocery store.Naturally inquisitive, John had a deep love for learning. As a child he enjoyed reading, and as he grew older he developed an interest in documentaries, history, music, and film. He loved going down YouTube rabbit holes researching topics that caught his interest, often emerging with new knowledge or a theory to debate. Like his father and younger brother, John had a remarkable memory for facts and enjoyed lively discussions about history, sports trivia, and especially Marvel movie theories.John’s family continued to grow with the welcoming of his stepmother, Joy Young Mobley , in 2016, and the birth of his little brother, Carter Justice Mobley, in 2018. The bond between John and Carter was truly special. Despite the 17 year age difference, the two shared a joyful connection that seemed to place them in their own world whenever they were together. Carter had his big brother wrapped around his finger, and John was always happy to do whatever Carter wanted. Deeply protective of his little brother, John took seriously the promise he made to his father to always look after him—a promise he carried with pride and love.Tragically, John’s father, Stephen Mobley, passed away unexpectedly in 2018, shortly after Carter was born and while John was a senior in high school. Following this heartbreaking loss, John returned to Tampa to finish his senior year, proudly graduating from King High School. Though life had changed in profound ways, John remained committed to honoring his father’s wishes by continuing to watch over his little brother.Soon after graduating, John chose to enlist in the United States Navy—something he had often discussed with his late father. For John, serving his country was not only a personal goal but also a way to honor the guidance and encouragement his father had given him. He proudly served in the Navy and spent two years stationed in Japan before being honorably discharged due to an injury.After leaving the military, John worked hard while exploring the next steps in his life. He eventually began working on cellphone towers across Philadelphia, New Jersey, and New York, a job he enjoyed for both its excitement and the friendships he formed along the way. Still, his passion for aviation remained strong, and in 2023 he enrolled at Temple University as an engineering major, determined to pursue that dream.Those who knew John will remember him as funny, energetic, inquisitive, and deeply caring. He had a playful spirit, a contagious laugh, and a remarkable ability to turn ordinary moments into joyful memories—especially during family gatherings where his humor and personality shined.John was unexpectedly called home to be with the Lord on March 4, 2026. His sudden passing has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of his family and all who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.John was preceded in death by his father, Stephen Mobley, and his great-grandparents Rosa Lee Carter, Willie D. Mobley, Hattie Snowden, and Samuel Snowden.He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved family: his baby brother Carter Justice Mobley; his mother, Francine Tillman; his stepmother, Joy Young Mobley; his grandparents Marjorie and Andrew Mobley, Bryan Tillman (Cheryl), and Lynn Tillman; his aunts and uncles, Ann Marie Mobley-Virgil (Eric), Camille Bineyard (Anthony), Desiree Gaines (Reggie), Latavia Horne (Christopher),Necie Daren (Samuel), Sabrina Mobley Hyde (Tyrell), and Great Aunts and Uncles Annie Hall, Mae Stewart (Russell), and Gail Snowden; his uncle Larry Mobley; along with numerous cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we find comfort in the love, laughter, and memories John leaves behind. Throughout his life, John carried his father’s words with him—honoring his memory through his service in the Navy and through the promise he kept to always look after his little brother. We take peace in believing that John is now reunited with his beloved father, and that together they continue to watch over Carter and the family they loved so deeply. We trust that he is resting safely in the arms of the Lord, free from pain, and watching over the family and friends who will carry his memory forever.John’s life, though far too short, was filled with curiosity, laughter, and love—and that light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him."A Wilson Service"

Mr. John Malachi Mobley

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