John Cromartie

CROMARTIE, Jr.,

John Lloyd

October 3, 1941 –

June 11, 2025

John Cromartie, a man with an unrelenting devotion to faith and justice passed away on June 11, 2025. John's professional life bridged law and ministry. He leaves a legacy of love, humility, and a quiet strength that enriched everyone who knew him.

Born in Gainesville, Georgia to the late John Lloyd Cromartie and Frances Hubbs Cromartie, John's lifelong commitment to leadership and service was evident from an early age. He was an Eagle Scout, Beta Club president, and state Key Club governor while at Gainesville High School.

John attended Emory University for his undergraduate studies during which time he played soccer and was on Honor Council. Three years later, he earned a JD from the University of Georgia Law School where he served as Chief Justice of the Honor Council and was a member of the Georgia Law Review.

John's legal career began with a federal clerkship with Judge Sydney O. Smith. As a partner at Greer, Sartain, Carey & Cromartie, Georgia Mountain Legal Services, and later as Director and Executive Director of Georgia Legal Services Program, he championed equal access to justice as an advocate for the poor and disenfranchised. During his time at GLSP he argued two cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. His work earned recognition from the State Bar of Georgia.

Continuing his lifelong quest for learning, John returned to Candler School of Theology at Emory University where he earned an M.Div. summa cum laude in 1988. After completing his divinity degree, John served as an associate minister at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church where he had the good fortune to serve alongside his mentor and dear friend, Don Harp. In this role John championed deep theological teachings by introducing Disciple Bible Study to PRUMC. For this work the church recently established an award in his name. Later as Senior Minister at Cumming First United Methodist Church, he established a renowned Hispanic ministry and cultivated a music program that covered the broad sweep of religious music from folk/bluegrass to classical. Throughout his ministry John was known for his ability to listen, encourage, and quietly empower others.

In 2003, in recognition of his lifetime commitment to community service, Emory University awarded him with the Emory Medal, the highest award given to an alum. In celebration of the 175th anniversary of Emory's founding, John was recognized as one of 175 "Emory History Makers". Reflecting on these recognitions he said, "I would advise somebody, if at all possible, to end up in a job that they feel passionate about. Use the gifts that you've got and be proud of that, whatever those gifts are. And if you can do that and look back over your life and say, I've been blessed with opportunities to use my gifts, that's a good thing."

An athlete & avid outdoorsman, John ran 13 marathons, twice section-hiked the Appalachian Trail with worn out knees and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with his family. He spent many summers in his retirement hiking the White Mountains of New Hampshire with his beloved wife, Julia. His hiking companions recall his favorite phrase: "The goal isn't to finish the trail, but to appreciate every step."

John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Julia Warlick Cromartie; daughter and son-in-law, Frances and Rob Talley of Alexandria, Virginia; sons and daughters-in-law, John and Yvette Cromartie of Gainesville, Georgia, and Tom and Alyson Cromartie of Atlanta, Georgia; grandchildren, Robert, Spencer, and Julia Talley; Lizzy and Ashton Cromartie; and Mackenzie, Thomas, and Hazel Cromartie; sisters, Margaret Hill and Sarah Money (Tom); and many loving nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 21 at 2:00 PM at Gainesville First United Methodist Church. Arrangements are being handled by Little & Davenport Funeral Home.

John Cromartie will be remembered for his unwavering compassion, intellectual curiosity, deep spirituality, and his gift for making everyone feel welcomed and valued. He truly made room at the table for all.

His family would like to acknowledge and thank the wonderful staff at the Northside Cancer Institute, Blood & Marrow Transplant Group of Georgia, and Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to The Appalachian Trail Conservancy, a 501(c)(3), 799 Washington Street, P.O. Box 807, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 (designated in the memory of John L. Cromartie Jr.) or Bald Ridge Chapel, a 501(c)(3). P.O. Box 1469, Cumming, GA 30028.