John Thomas Waddell

On November 14, 2024, John Thomas Waddell died peacefully and accompanied by his family and beloved cat, “Bullet,” at Levine-Dickson Hospice House after a hard fought battle with lung cancer. He was 77 years old.

John was born July 15, 1947 in Thomasville, Davidson County, NC, to James and Margie Waddell. He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Susan Waddell, his 3 children: Eric Waddell (Marsha), Heather Wilson (Christopher), and Alison Dowless (Anthony); 9 grandchildren: Krysten Salinas, Matthew Waddell, Noah Wilson, Eleanor Wilson, Aaron Wilson, Anna Wilson, Russell Dowless, Wesley Dowless, and Elise Dowless; 2 great-grandchildren: Isabel Salinas and Lucas Salinas; and his siblings: Margaret Cranford, Eddie Waddell (Emily) and Terry Waddell (Marissa).

John was a graduate of the class of 1965 at Thomasville High School. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served the United States of America in the Vietnam Conflict. He earned a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Action Ribbon 1st award, and Rifle Sharp Shooter Badge. After his service, John enrolled at Davidson County Community College where he began courses for an Associate’s of Science degree. In 1970, he met Susan and won her over with his charm.

In 1971, John and Susan were married. John supported his family working at Western Electric and then Bell Helicopter. John was forward thinking and in 1975 he took a stint as a stay at home dad and returned to Davidson County Community College to earn his AS. In 1980, John began working with Bell South where he remained employed until his retirement in 2000. John was an earnest employee, working his way up from craft switchman to management.

In his younger days, John loved fast cars, old fashioned hot dogs with cold beer, and dancing with Susan at Studebakers. He was fascinated with technology, especially computers, the internet, and all tools. John did not hesitate to take on any DIY project, firmly believing he could learn to do anything himself. John was a competitor. He enjoyed multi-rounds of golf in Myrtle Beach, shooting pistols and rifles at the range, and challenging his wife to THE prime rib cook off (oven versus grill). John was also a champion of relaxation, snuggling into his recliner with a grandchild or pet on his lap to watch football, classic westerns, Stephen Colbert, and MSNBC.

John loved his country, family, and pets loyally and fiercely. He was a doting Pop-Pop, always indulging his grandchildren. John bravely battled cancer twice. Throughout his health challenges, John carried himself with great passion, humor, and strength.

The Waddell family extends gratitude to John’s medical and hospice team, as well as our family and friends who have shown immense love and support. A celebration of John’s life will be held on January 2, 2025, at 2PM at McEwen Funeral Home in Mint Hill, North Carolina. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or the D.A.V. : Disabled American Veterans.