John William Lovelace III

John William Lovelace III went home to be with the Lord on Monday, June 10, 2024, at the age of 68.
There will be a private celebration of life with immediate family.
John was born on February 2, 1956, in Norfolk, VA to John William Jr. and Carlleen Lovelace. He graduated from Norfolk Christian High School in 1974. He then pursued a degree in Bible at Bob Jones University of Greenville, SC where he graduated in 1979. John taught fourth grade and coached soccer and basketball at three different Christian schools from 1979 - 1988.
In 1988, John began pastoring his first church in Eastern North Carolina. Over the next 35 years he faithfully served the Lord in various roles of ministry. He married his high school sweetheart, Malissa (Missy) Cox, on August 21, 1976, in Virginia Beach, VA. Together they have three sons: Pastor Jay (John IV) and wife Cheyenne of Lake Villa, IL; Pastor Josh and wife Duska of Jefferson, ME; Greenville PD Officer Jeremiah and wife Crista of Farmville, NC. He has thirteen "perfect" grandchildren: Isaiah, Jack, Landon, JD, Cody, Lauren, Ryleigh, Sawyer, Grant, Thad, Autumn, Henry, and Everlee.
John loved playing golf and was a diehard fan of football. His favorite teams were the Miami Dolphins and the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. His ultimate passion, however, was preaching the Word of God as often as he could to the many souls that crossed his path.
He was preceded in death by his parents John and Carlleen Lovelace and his father in-law and mother in-law Richard and Jackie Cox.
He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, brothers: Mark Lovelace and wife Bonnie of Chesapeake, VA and Michael Lovelace and wife Sherry of Grifton, NC, and several nieces and nephews.