John Corey McDonald

August 21, 1985 – August 11, 2021

John Corey McDonald went to be with the Lord August 11, 2021 at the age of 35.  He was born on August 21, 1985 in Wilmington, NC.  He spent his younger years with his sisters, Joy and Shelley and his brother Michael playing on the marsh and in the woods off Futch Creek. John Corey moved to Whiteville with his family in third grade and graduated from Whiteville High School in 2004.  He then pursued automotive technology at NASCAR Technical School in Mooresville, NC and later moved back to Whiteville, NC and then Wilmington, NC.  In Wilmington, John Corey started his own construction business called New Growth Construction.  He was always passionate and fearless about everything he did, including his love for cars, working out, and people.  John Corey loved to laugh and his laughter was infectious.  He was the “light of the world” and a friend to everyone.

John Corey attended church regularly throughout his life.  His true spiritual journey began after choosing to give his life to Jesus at his baptism in 2013. This ignited the fire in John Corey that consumed the rest of his life and turned his passion to Jesus. Pursuing a deeper relationship with God, John Corey was determined to set others free as he had been set free. Throughout his life, John Corey faced many setbacks which he used to minister to the lost. His heart was set on delivering people in bondage from all walks of life bringing them into the love of Jesus. John Corey was a “chain breaker” boldly sharing the gospel wherever he was, on the street, at the gym, the beach…wherever he walked. He had a servant heart honoring Jesus’ great commission to the world.

When John Corey found Global River Church, he found his home or “family of believers.” He grew his faith boldly stepping out as an encourager to the wounded as he lived the spirit-empowered life. His life will always be remembered as the song goes…“My God’s not dead, He’s surely alive, living on the inside, roaring as a lion.” This was John Corey McDonald. Nothing could hold him back from his love for Jesus Christ.  The message continues on through the body of Christ.

John Corey is survived by his mother, Karen Clark; sister, Joy and husband Josh Benton; brother, Michael McDonald; nephew, Ryland; and niece, Hadley.  He is preceded in death by his father, John McDonald III, and sister, Shelley McDonald.

“And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony.”  Revelation 12:11.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 2 pm at Global River Church 4702 South College Rd Wilmington, NC.

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