John Lopez

John “Padre” López, 75, passed away on December 19th in Reidsville, Georgia. He was born in Brooklyn, New York to Juan José López and Carmen López Moll on November 12th, 1949.

John was an eclectic man with many passions and loves. He appreciated music of all kinds; motown, latin and old hymns were among his favorites. Old hymns, in both English and Spanish, were a constant source of comfort for him. At 16, he started a band in Brooklyn called JL & the Eastern Brass where he was the lead trumpet player. He was a gifted musician and could also play the guitar and piano by ear. He used his musical talents and voice as a ministry to others all his life. He also loved spiritual literature and dedicated much of his time reading devotionals of all kinds, but his most treasured book was the Bible, Psalm 139 being his favorite passage. He has an extensive library of theological works of many genres that he loved to share with others. 

To know John was to love him. He was gifted with a servant’s heart and spent his life serving others in many capacities. He graduated from the library of Congress in Washington, DC in 1967 where he served as the first Puerto Rican page in history to Senator Jacob Javits. It was there that he met and later married Wanda Thomas Lopez. Before the birth of their two daughters, the young couple resided in San Juan, Puerto Rico before returning to Georgia where John pursued an education at Georgia State University. During his employment with the Tattnall Evans Service Center in Manassas, John became affiliated with the WDA, Worldwide Discipleship Association, and made the decision to fulfill his calling to ministry by pursuing a masters degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Upon returning, he began his prison ministry with the Georgia Department of Corrections and served in many capacities in several facilities over the years. Additionally during his career, he served as a marriage and substance abuse counselor as well as a special educator. Beyond his career, his church ministry held a very special place in his heart. While worshiping and serving the Lord, he enjoyed fellowship with numerous church families. He had a profound love for all things God created, especially plants, flowers, sunrises and animals of all kinds, and these things brought him tremendous joy.

While living in Atlanta, he met and married Ellen Anderson Lopez in 2002 before relocating to Columbia, South Carolina as a hospice chaplain. During his tenure at Agape Hospice, Padre continued to touch the lives of countless individuals during some of their darkest days as well as his fellow friends and coworkers. He served in that role until his retirement in 2016. He brought light and joy to all those who knew him. Sadly, depression does not discriminate. Although he was dearly loved and known for his contagious spirit and smile, he battled with depression and mental health for many years which ultimately caused his untimely passing. 

He is preceded in death by his mother, Carmen, and his brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Tina Sais, of New York. His beloved father passed in January of 1989, and he mourned his death for the rest of his days. He loved his father unconditionally and spoke of his gentleness, kindness, and humility often. He played an integral role in John’s life and was missed dearly. 

He leaves behind his wife, Ellen Anderson Lopez, of Plainville, Georgia and his children: Bonnie (Paul) Slater and Richard (Johanna) Lopez of Dublin, Georgia, Laura (Heath) Brown and Sarah (Pat) Willis of Reidsville.

Grandchildren: Tristan (Renee) Willis, Lucas Smith, Isaac Willis, Aidan (Jai) Willis, Andrew Willis, Ian Bigwood, Miles and Hampton Brown and Amelia and Adelaide Willis as well as two great-granddaughters Hadley and Kaylee Willis. 

Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive. 

Jack Bear Oso Lopez, his beloved canine, was his nearest and dearest companion in his last years. 

Per John’s final request, no formal visitation or service will be held. A private memorial may be held at a later date. 

Remembrances may be made to: John Lopez Tribute Scholarship Fund c/o The Reidsville Bank, P.O. Box 490, Reidsville GA, Georgia 30453. 

Care and Services are entrusted to Brannen Family Funeral Services, Glennville, Georgia. “Our Family Serving Your Family”