John Burnette Carver

John Burnette Carver, 85, of Hickory, died peacefully, January 16, 2017 at Trinity Ridge in Hickory. Born January 1, 1932 in Buncombe County, NC, he was the son of the late John Tinsley Carver and Malla Florence Burnette Carver. An active member of First Baptist Church in Hickory where he was a former deacon, RA leader and was involved in the NC Baptist Men Disaster Relief. He retired as a SMSGT from the U.S. Air Force after 28 years of service and was employed with the City of Hickory for 14 years. John was a former volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and enjoyed running and had participated in several marathons. He also enjoyed gardening and sharing the produce he grew, hunting and running with his beagles, and was a big fan of UNC Tarheel basketball.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Douglas Carver and Keith Carver; and sister, Nina C. Bessey.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 61 years, JoAnn Ritchie Carver; sons, John B. Carver, Jr. and wife Gena of Hickory, NC, Jeff Carver of Hickory, NC, and David Carver and fiancée Michelle Braswell of Indian Trail, NC; sisters, Daphne C. Sipe of Conover, Nedra C. Hayes of Conover, and Christine C. Roxburgh of Florida; and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 20, 2017 at First Baptist Church in Hickory with Dr. Phillip Reynolds and Rev. Rendall Hipps officiating. Burial, with military rites will follow in Providence Baptist Church Cemetery in Hickory, NC. The family will receive friends from 11:45 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

Members of the Baptist Men will serve as Honorary Pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made to Baptist Men of First Baptist Church, 339 Second Ave. NW, Hickory, NC, 28601.