John George Styes Sr.

JOHN GEORGE STYES SR.

Our loving Lord took home one of his children on Tuesday, April 14th, 2009, when John George Styes Sr. left this world and returned to his heavenly family.

John was born in Epoufette, Michigan, (Upper Peninsula) and passed on to his children so many fond memories of his childhood home on the lake such as fishing, romping in the woods, attending his little schoolhouse and his dog, Pete, a bulldog which was a best friend. When he was old enough he joined the CCC's (Civilian Conservation Corp) and was assigned to Camp Pori in Mass, Michigan. He later joined the United States Coast Guard. He was aboard the U.S.S. Hunter Liggett part of WWII fighting in the Pacific theater. Like so many of his generation, he knew exactly where he was and what he was doing when the war ended. While in the military he met his future bride, Ruth Melton of Wilmington and returned to Wilmington to marry her and begin his family life. He went to trade school at Wilmington College which later became the University of North Carolina-Wilmington to learn bricklaying and was a bricklayer most of his life. Many buildings in Wilmington show his craftsmanship including some UNCW buildings and historic renovations.

John loved to read nonfiction, especially American history and the diaries of Civil War era people. He also loved to grow his own vegetables and looked forward every spring to planting his crop and watching it grow. He loved to tell his children and grandchildren stories of his life passing on to those who listened not only his childhood and military adventures but also so much about the world and how to live well in general. He was so wise, generous and compassionate. We always knew that he loved us so much and was so proud of each of us. When his grandson Billy, asked him what it was like to be sitting in his chair, meaning at this moment in life with so much of his family around him, he stated that he thanked the Lord every day.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ruth Melton Styes, three sons John George Styes Jr. and wife Karen, William Scott Styes Sr., Charles Wayne Styes Sr. and wife Helen, two daughters Mary Frances Styes and Peggy Sue Styes, eight grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. In addition to his family John opened up his heart and home to six more nieces and nephews during his lifetime

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 20, 2009, at Masonboro Baptist Church with the Rev. Gordon Wright officiating. Interment will follow at Masonboro Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 18 from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

John was admired, respected and loved so deeply by his family and although we know that he has left this world we also know that there will be a day when we will see him again. We will miss him and remember the moments of his life with us for the remainder of ours. We will continue to thank the Lord everyday for what he gave us in John, husband and father. I love you Daddy.



Coble Ward-Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Oleander Chapel.

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