John Weymond Jennings

John Weymond Jennings, husband, Dad, Pawpa and friend, died peacefully at home in Cartersville with his family surrounding him after a long battle on Friday, November 22, 2024. John was born in Atlanta, Georgia, March 15, 1943. He was the son of Thomas Weymond Jennings and Winnie Fay (Farmer) Jennings.

John lived his life to the fullest extent. At 18 years of age, he joined the US Navy. He was assigned to the USS Yorktown and later deployed to Vietnam to serve on a River Patrol Boat team. He served 2 tours of duty.

After John returned from military duty, he met his wife, Pat, right across the street from his mom’s house. They celebrated 54 years of marriage in October.

After service to his country, John returned to his hometown of East Point, Georgia and started working in the auto industry selling parts. He later moved into Customer Services and worked with Bellsouth Advertising and Publishing Company and Shaw Industries.

John was very mechanically inclined, building and restoring cars. His first car was a dune buggy, which he and Pat had their first date in. He later built a 1934 Ford and his prize, a 1932 Ford, that he won his class in the World of Wheels in Chattanooga. When he became physically unable to build cars, he started restoring and building firearms.

John got involved in R C Car racing and wasn’t satisfied with just purchasing a kit and putting the car together. He would take three different kits and make one car, using parts from all three kits to make them run faster, which made him a champion. Drag racing was a sport he fell in love with while he was stationed in California. Going fast was something he enjoyed doing and was fortunate enough to drive a rear engine dragster and do a ride along with a NASCAR driver at the Daytona Speedway.

John was very active in his son’s life by taking him camping, teaching him to shoot firearms, boating, helping to coach his little league football teams, and taking him on trips to explore many historical sights. They participated in Civil War reenactments and shared a love of visiting Civil War Forts.

He was always thinking about how to build a better mousetrap.

In addition to his wife, Patricia (Pearson) Jennings, John is survived by his son Jonathan Jennings, and the delight of his heart, two granddaughters, Kasey and Bailey Jennings; brother Thomas H Jennings of Hixson, Tennessee; nieces Tina Nowell of St Catherine’s Ontario, Canada, and Pam Baird (Roger) of Huntsville, Al; nephews, Mike Jennings of East Point, Ga and Chris (Karen) Searcey of Palm Coast, Fl; Sisters-in-law, Barbara P Atchley of Huntsville, Al and Gayle P Powell of Bunnell, Fl and Brother-in-law, Randy L Pearson of Dalton, Ga.

The family has decided not to hold services at this time. We owe a special thanks to our special nurse, Anne, and her team for helping to travel this journey with dignity. Those who wish to remember John in a special way may make donations to Knox Martin Foundation for Brain Cancer research. Arrangements handled by Owen Funeral Home of Cartersville, GA.