BORN
1930
DIED
2011
John Major Obituary
He was born October 10, 1930 in Amelia, VA, son of the late Charles Edward and Ella Bates Major.
Mr. Major's greatest enjoyment in life was helping others.
A young man of 16 years, he went to work at Wortondyke Manufacturing Company in Richmond, VA and later transferred to Waynesboro to supervise training in Wortondyke's new facility. After leaving the manufacturing company he owned and operated the Gulf Service Station on West Broad Street for 16 years before building successful real estate, appraisal and music recording companies.
In 1978, Major Recording was ranked the third independent music studio in the nation. In the 40 plus years of operation, the studio produced many local talents and artists from across the nation, as well as from Germany, Ireland and Australia. In addition to the recording studio, Mr. Major developed and sold residential real estate and enjoyed more than 50 years of dedicated service to the Veterans Administration as a residential appraiser.
He was the founder of Brethren Housing which later became Christian Housing Assistance Corp, an organization founded to enable families to become home owners.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Laura Anna Hutchinson Major, two sisters; Lula Winfree and Jane Balance.
He is survived by his wife Linda Gayle Hicks Major, three sons; Gary Major and wife Gloria, Eddie Major and wife Linda, Alex Arbaugh and wife Samantha, all of Waynesboro, and a daughter; Tracey Lynn Wolfe of Staunton, grandchildren; Amanda Major and fiancee' Stephen Balthrop of Washington, DC, Joshua Major, Dawn Showalter and husband Nathan, Jeremiah Major and wife Kim, Xander Arbaugh, all of Waynesboro, Tyler Arbaugh and Mari-Peyton Kouchinsky, great-grandchildren; Laura Kate Major, Alayna Mae Major, Hunter Major and Parker Showalter, brothers and sisters; C. V. (Slim) Richardson, Jr., and wife Jackie of Jetersville, VA., Hazel Nelson and husband Bob, Rosa Walton and husband Tom, all of Richmond, Doris Abernathy of Blackstone, VA., Alice Freeman of Clarksville, VA., as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 PM Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at the residence of his son and daughter-in-law, Eddie and Linda Major of 502 Sandy Ridge Road, Waynesboro, VA., followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM Thursday, also at the residence of his son and daughter-in-law by his family, Jerry and Jimmy Ross, and Pastor Phillip Morgan.
Pallbearers will be his grandchildren
Internment will follow immediately following the service at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church Cemetery, 504 Sandy Ridge Road, Waynesboro.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Hospice of the Shenandoah, 64 Sports Medicine Dr., Fishersville, VA 22939 or the University of Virginia Heart Care and Research Foundation, in care of UVA Health Foundation PO Box 800773 Charlottesville, VA 22908-0773.
Arrangements under the direction of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes Waynesboro Chapel, Waynesboro, VA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Peggy Hawpe Coffey
December 12, 2011
Our thoughts & prayers are with you all. Glenn & I knew John thru real estate & my parents. As Realtors, we can say he was so pleasant & helpful to work with! Now, he is healed! God is good. Glenn & Peggy Hawpe Coffey
Theresa Hunt
December 11, 2011
I will remember John Major as a gentleman and family man. Having had many business dealings with him down through the years, I will always remember the time he took me into the living room and talked with great pride about the pictures and the family. My prayers and thought are with you all at this most difficult time.
Wendy Baber
December 8, 2011
Thinking of you and your family during this time of loss and throughout the holiday season. Know that you and your family are in all of our thoughts and prayers and praying for peace and encouragement. 2011 Football Cheerleaders and Coaches
Bambi Parker
December 8, 2011
I will miss you Uncle Billy! I have so many wonderful memories of you and Aunt Lula that I will never forget and thank you for all you have done for so many people. God bless your family. Love Bambi Lynn and family.
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Debbie Wolfe
December 8, 2011
We could not ask for a better neighbors than the Majors! You are all in our hearts and prayers at this time of your loss. In Christ's love, Charlie & Debbie Wolfe
Bobby Johnson
December 7, 2011
My family sends our sincere condolences to the family of John Major. Our prayers are with all of you. God Bless.
Linda Adams
December 7, 2011
What a dear man. John always had a smile on his face when I talked to him. I wish I could have been there, but in my heart, I was. May you have peace in your new mansion in the sky. Linda Gayle, may peace get you through this tough time. I will pray for you, and you know where I am when you need a sister. Love, Linda Adams
BOB GRANT
December 7, 2011
My sincere condolences to family of my
friend, Johnny Major. I worked with him
in promotions while at WINA for many years, & on shows with his artists in VA.
He was a class act & will be missed.
Spencer & Frankie Broome
December 7, 2011
Our sincere condolences we send to all of you, he suffers no more. God's blessings to you and love,
Robert Arbaugh
December 7, 2011
John was an inspiration to his family we know. It is so hard to lose someone that you love, especially a parent and husband. May God bless you in the coming year and may His Spirit of Peace be with you. Bob and Lenore Arbaugh
Carrie Hardin, Mikey, Kenzie and Cooper Little
December 7, 2011
The world has lost a great man, and heaven has gained a great angel. He will live on in the wonderful family he has raised, and by all those who have met him during his journey here on Earth. May he look upon us all with a huge smile on his face knowing he has so deeply touched all that knew him.
Dwayne Armstrong
December 7, 2011
I am very sorry for your loss. My family will be lifting your family up in prayer during this difficult time.
Dwayne Armstrong
Weaver Insurance and Financial Advisors
Sandy Bare
December 7, 2011
Linda Gayle and family, I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. May God be with you during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Charles & Darlene Webb & family
December 7, 2011
Even though I never did get to know Mr. Major really well, I can see the legacy -- his family -- he has left to follow in his footsteps until they meet again in heaven; and what a wonderful statement that is to the man he was. God bless all the family; please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dennis Shifflett
December 6, 2011
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Cameron Sue
December 6, 2011
Our Thoughts and PRAYERS Are With You All.We Will Never Forget His Acts of Love and Kindness To Our Family!Love You Linda. Cameron and Sue
Tammy Bell Roe
December 6, 2011
Uncle Billy's warm smile, caring personality, and never ending generosity will forever be remembered.
Teresa Gray
December 6, 2011
My thoughts and love is with you all at this time of loss. I have many fond memories of Uncle Johnny and the times I spent there as I grew up.
Kenny, Roxanne, Whitney & Jason Brown
December 6, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time!
Randy Hicks
December 6, 2011
Linda Gayle, Gary and family, Thinking of ya"ll at this difficult time. John was a very special friend. He always had time to visit and talk when I would stop by unplanned. He always had words of kindness, wisdom, encouragement mixed in with laughter. Many great time were had with John, in the studio, recording sessions, concerts, bus road trips, dining and dancing . John will be missed by many and by all that knew him. To John a very special person, Thanks for the memories ! Randy Hicks Charlottesville Va.
tania griffin
December 6, 2011
Our prayers and condolence go out to Linda and the family at this time of sorrow
Clint and Tania Griffin ( Staunton Va )
David & Violet Cash
December 6, 2011
Linda, Eddie, Gary and all the Major family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I remember the first time I met John, he appraised a home for me. I didn't know then how blessed I was getting to know him and also his wonderful family. I know each of you have many wonderful memories to cherish until one day we will all be together. May the mighty enter strength of the Holy Spirit strengthen you today and the following days. Remember we are here, if you need us. We love you. God Bless! David and Violet
Wayne & Nita Weikel
December 6, 2011
Our thoughts and love go out to all the Major family. John was a good friend and father figure to me and my family, especially after my Dad died at a young age. He also was a mentor through his recording studio that inspired me to eventually follow in his footsteps. He will be missed greatly and remembered always! Gary and Eddie, our love goes out to you and your families.
Karen Kiger
December 6, 2011
My sympathy to you and your family Linda. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I know it's been a long road for you both. Find peace in knowing John is in a better place.
Jerry & Janna Zirkle
December 6, 2011
Eddie & family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Our parents are so special, may fond memories help sustain you in the weeks to follow.
Gilberetta Richards
December 6, 2011
Thinking of your family at this time. Just know you all are in my thoughts and prayers. If you need anything please call. Gilberetta and Caden
Karen Ward
December 6, 2011
Thinking of your family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers
December 6, 2011
Your dad was one of my favorite people. We had some good times in the studio and made some good music. John was always a gentleman and a smart man. He gave Carroll and I our first start by selling us a home. May your memories from the past bring you peace at this time. He will truly be missed.
Bonnie Durham
Samantha Clark
December 6, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are w/ all of you.
Mike Wallace
December 6, 2011
Thinking of you all and keeping your family in our prayers during this difficult time, especially this time of the year. May God be with you all and give you peace & comfort. Wanda & Mike Wallace
Mary Ann Hutchinson
December 6, 2011
Thoughts and prayers are with all of you . Johnny was a great person and a joy to be around he will be missed I never was around him that he wasn't upbeat and happy God bless you in this time .
Hebie Roberts
December 6, 2011
To the Major family, My most deepest and sincere thoughts go out to all of you during these trying times with the loss of a loved one.I wish you all the best
Herbie Roberts
Brad Lushbaugh
December 6, 2011
Linda Gayle and family,
our heartfelt condolences are sent to you at this sad time. We hope that good memories of your times together will heal and comfort you in the days ahead.
Brad & Delores Lushbaugh
Darrell and Sarah Landram
December 5, 2011
Linda, we are so sorry to hear about John. May God give you peace and comfort during this difficult time. We are praying for you and the family.
Darrell and Sarah
Jane Yancey
December 5, 2011
Loving thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family during this difficult time. I appreciated his care and kindness when I was growing up and I am so thankful I was able to express that to him personally this year.
ginger Ham
December 5, 2011
Thinking of the entire Major family during this time of sadness. May you find peace in the days to come. Mark & Ginger Ham and family
December 5, 2011
Our heart goes out to you during this difficult time. The family is in our thoughts and prayers. Doug Hagwood and Family
ld royer plumbing
December 5, 2011
Grief can be so hard during the holidays, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one this holiday season.
Clemi Arbaugh
December 5, 2011
I want to offer my sympathy for your loss. May God comfort you and hold you close in the coming days.
Clemi Arbaugh
Waynesboro, VA
dannie zimmerman
December 5, 2011
it is sad to hear Mr.John Major passed may god continue to bless you your family and friends
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