John Eugene McManaway

John Eugene McManaway, III, age 89, passed away Thursday, May 14, at Florence Hand Nursing Home, LaGrange, GA after a long illness following a stroke. He is survived by his wife, Betty Iler McManaway. They were married for 68 years. He was born in Greenville, SC, to J.E. McManaway, Jr., and Estelle Payne McManaway. He was predeceased by his siblings Sara Hudgins (Elwood), Jeanne Armitstead (Jimmy), and David McManaway (Judy).

John served in the Navy during the Korean Conflict. During that time he and Betty married and had their first daughter, Debbie. He then returned home to continue his studies at Furman University, graduating with a B.S. in Business Administration. He immediately took a job with Milliken and Co. where he worked his entire career of 37 years. His work took him and his family to Thomson, GA; Pendleton, SC; Greenville, SC; and finally to LaGrange, GA, in 1972 where he worked in various plants, retiring from the Duncan M. Stewart plant in 1994.

John loved to sing, singing bass in many Baptist church choirs over the years, including First Baptist Church of LaGrange for more than 30 years. He served as a deacon there, as well as in several other churches, and was a member of Dr. Paul Baxter’s Sunday School Class. More recently he belonged to the First United Methodist Church of LaGrange where he was a member of the Andrew Visitation Team and also visited many shut-ins on his own. He delivered Meals on Wheels for 12 years and was a member of the Adult Fellowship Class.

John and Betty were blessed with 20 years of retirement, during which time he was able to enjoy his love of golf, boating, and water skiing. In retirement he also continued to work at Callaway Gardens golf courses for 12 years. He had an immaculate yard in which not a weed was allowed to grow. John had a God-given talent for mechanics, which he used to fix any and everything. He was known for his sense of humor and always had a new (old?) joke in his back pocket to share with his bridge and golf friends.

He is survived by his loving family: daughters, Debbie Rivers of Charlotte, NC, and Lee Lawrence of Kiawah Island, SC; son, John IV, (Lisa) of Alabaster, AL; grandsons Carson Rivers, Will Lawrence (Nicole), and Matt Lawrence; and granddaughters Jordan McManaway and Kaitlin Richardson (Will) and a sister-in-law, Judy McManaway of Greenville, SC.

Because of the present pandemic, only an immediate family graveside service can be held at Restlawn Memory Gardens. A celebration of his life may be held at a later date. The whole family will miss sharing this time with extended family and friends. In lieu of flowers, a memorial to the Music Ministry of First United Methodist Church, 401 Broad Street, LaGrange, GA 30240, would be pleasing to John or a gift to another charitable organization.

Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com.

Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636