John Andrew DeBord

It is with heavy hearts and cherished memories that we announce the passing of our beloved father, John Andrew DeBord, 82, who left this world peacefully on November 19th, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family at his home. Though our hearts are broken, we honor a life lived with kindness, strength, and unwavering devotion to those he loved most. Born on February 13th, 1943, to Jess and Alice DeBord, John was the second-born son out of six children. He grew up in a loving home and loved his parents and siblings immensely. Being raised on the family farm, he learned the value of hard work and the rewards of labor. He learned many trades and developed skills that allowed him to create or fix anything with his hardworking hands. He utilized these skills throughout his lifetime to help others and share his talent and skill set. Shortly after graduation, John was drafted into the Army and served in the Vietnam War from January 1966 - January 1968. During his service time, he received numerous recognitions, including National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, Combat Infantryman Badge, Good Conduct Medal, and a Sharpshooter Award. While in Vietnam, John received the Lord, Jesus Christ, as his Savior. He was baptized and became a member of Pleasant Arbor Baptist Church when he returned home. His faith and steadfast love for “The Good Lord” only grew stronger throughout his lifetime. In 1975, he married the love of his life and wife of 50 years, Carolyn Shipley DeBord. They had 2 daughters, Jessica and Jennifer, who became his pride and joy. He worked hard to be a provider and protector for his family. He worked as a Project Engineer for Ga DOT for 34 years. When not on the jobsite, he maintained his cattle farm and gardens. He loved being outdoors, spending time hunting, teaching his children to fish, cooking unique cuisines, gardening, and canning his homegrown vegetables. He had a talent for gardening and making things grow. He often grew an abundance of vegetables to share with others. Above all else, John was the best Husband, Father, and Grandpa anyone could hope for. He was a true gentleman, and he poured his heart into raising his children, teaching them the values he lived by: honesty, patience, compassion, and the importance of showing up for the people you love. As a grandfather, he found renewed joy in his grandchildren. He was the happiest when his grandchildren were around, and he loved them all dearly. He enjoyed caring for them and being involved in their daily lives. He enjoyed reading to his grandchildren, teaching them to cook, and teaching them to garden with him. He did not miss an event or occasion to support his family if he was able. He loved attending school events, basketball and lacrosse games, and dance recitals to support his girls. He was our greatest hero and our biggest fan. John was a man of great wisdom, integrity, and humor. He always did what was right and earned the nickname, Honest John. He was someone who made others feel safe and welcome simply by being with him. To his family, he was both anchor and compass—a steady, guiding presence who always made others feel loved. He also had the best sense of humor. We never knew what he was going to say, but we could expect a good laugh when around him. We will forever miss having daily conversations with him, we will miss the way his face lit up when a family member walked in the room, we will miss the sound of his voice and the special greetings he would say to each of us: You’re looking mighty pretty today, Be Sweet!, and most importantly, Luv Luv. John leaves behind a legacy of love that will echo through generations. John is survived by his wife, Carolyn Shipley DeBord, his two daughters, Jessica (Jeff) Brady and Jennifer (Frank) Reynolds, his grandchildren, Addison Brady, Ansley Brady, Frank Reynolds, Emelia Reynolds, and Sophia Reynolds, his siblings, Joe (Paulette) DeBord, Cheryl (Jimmy) Hitt, and Tracy (Mike) Cline, sisters-in-law Betty DeBord and Nena Jones, brother in law, Curtis (Judy) Shipley, and many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins, who will carry his spirit forward in their stories, traditions, and the countless ways he shaped their lives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jess and Alice DeBord, and two brothers, Jace DeBord and Robert DeBord. We will honor his life during a visitation at Darby Funeral Home from 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm on Wednesday, November 26th, where family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor the extraordinary life he lived. A Funeral Service will be held at Darby Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, November 28th at 12:30 pm, followed by a Military Service at the Georgia National Cemetery at 2:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, we ask that contributions be made in John's memory to The Anna Crawford Children's Center (https://annacrawfordcac.org/donate/) or to the Cherokee County Homeless Veteran's Program (https://www.cherokeehomelessvets.com/donate), both causes near and dear to his heart. Though he is no longer with us, his warmth, his humor, and his steadfast love remain woven into the fabric of our lives. We are better for having known him—and forever blessed to have loved him and been loved so deeply by him. We find comfort in knowing he is no longer in pain; he has been restored in Heaven and now walks with Jesus. Until we see you again, Luv Luv, Daddy Jennifer & Jessica

Tributes

John Andrew DeBord

February 13, 1943 - November 19, 2025