John "Big John" Williamson Northington

John Williamson Northington, loving referred to as “Big John” was a cherished father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Born on May 2, 1948, in Wharton, Texas, to the late George Heard Northington, III and Anita Nunn Williamson Northington. John passed away peacefully on October 13, 2025, at the age of 77.

John was a graduate of East Bernard High School and Texas Christian University where he received a degree in Ranch Management. John led a life deeply rooted in the cowboy lifestyle, he loved his Texas heritage, which he began with Major Andrew Northington, who was granted land in the 1830s and established a stagecoach line to Egypt. Over generations, the family developed Egypt Plantation, which was initially focused on crops like sugarcane and cotton, and later expanded into cattle and horse breeding. John loved working as a dedicated rancher, trail rides and embracing the lifestyle he loved so dearly. An avid lover of antiques, he was known for his remarkable ability to rejuvenate old cars and tractors. With a creative spirit, John could rebuild or fabricate just about anything, turning the simplest project into a work of art. His bigger than life personality and his love of joking with everyone he knew will be profoundly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

John turned part of his family store into Northington Saloon in Egypt and it served as a gathering place for many over the years. John always loved having parties, singing karaoke and showing off his antique collection and teaching the history of his family to everyone. 

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Paula Favors, and husband, Derek Favors of Egypt, Tx; brother, George “Bud” Northington IV and wife, Mary of Egypt; granddaughter, Sadie Marie Favors of Egypt; nephew, George Heard “Baron” Northington V and wife, Melinda Kaye and great nieces Bailey and Savanah; his long-time companion, Carolyn Cline Northington, along with numerous cousins.

 A visitation starting at 12:00 PM at Wharton Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, October 17, 2025, allowing friends and family to gather and share memories. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM with Karen Middlebrook officiating. John will be laid to rest at Egypt Plantation Cemetery following the service. Serving as pallbearers will be Derek Favors, George Heard “Baron” Northington, V; Sean Hasselmeier, Don Al Middlebrook, Wade Matthys, Robert “BJ” Alvers, James Fitzgerald, and Jerod Guess. Honorary Pallbearers will be Rick Marek, Dale Sikora, and Jerry Fojtik.

May his spirit live on in our hearts, reminding us to embrace our passions, create boldly, and share laughter with those around us. As John would always say,

“Don’t worry about it and don’t talk about me when I leave.”

Funeral Services are under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at whartonfuneralhome.com.