John Thomas Asters

1939 - 2026

John Thomas Asters, 86, died peacefully on March 28, 2026, in Toccoa, Georgia, following an extended illness. He was born on June 15, 1939, in Tupelo, Mississippi, to the late Michael Constantine and Janie Sullivan Asters. He was preceded in death by his brother, Connie, and his sister, Evelyn. John Thomas spent his early life in Tupelo, where he grew up helping with, and later owning and operating, the family business, Mike's Restaurant, which was established in the late 1930s. A standout during his high school years, he graduated from Tupelo High School where he served as Student Body President, was honored as Mr. T.H.S., and was voted Class Favorite and Most Handsome. He was a passionate athlete who enjoyed playing football, pole vaulting, and especially water skiing. He attended the University of Mississippi and remained a lifelong, devoted Ole Miss football fan. Hotty Toddy! He proudly served his country by joining the Mississippi National Guard in 1961, retiring as a Major in 1999. He cherished his many years in the guard, belonging to various military organizations and receiving numerous awards. After closing Mike's Restaurant in 1971, he and his beloved wife, Carolyn, moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he successfully built a career in the cement and concrete business. Following his retirement, they moved to Lake Hartwell in Martin, Georgia. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carolyn Posey Asters of Martin, Georgia; his children, Jason (Marie) of Decatur, Georgia, Jonica (Tom) of Estepona, Spain, and Blakely (Tatiana) of Colorado Springs. He is also survived by his nine cherished grandchildren-Milo, Aiko, Lucie, Ollie, Madeleine, Kenza, Jules, Annaly, and Juliette-whom he absolutely adored and who knew him as Papa John, as well as several nieces and nephews. John Thomas loved life and lived it well. He was an incredible man who was larger than life in every way-in his kindness, humor, generosity, and physical presence. There will be a celebration of life gathering on Saturday April 4 at Lake Hartwell.

All services will be private. Any local service will be announced on Holland Funeral Directors website.