John Staton Laws Jr.

John Staton Laws, Jr., 78, passed away on September 22, 2026 at Hospice of the Golden Isles in Brunswick, Georgia. John was born on April 4, 1948 in Douglas, Georgia, to John Staton Laws, Sr. and Ruth Walden Laws. John was preceded in death by his parents.

John is survived by his wife of 49 years Karen; daughter Ashley Laws Williams (Joseph) and granddaughter Mazie of St. Augustine, Florida; son John Staton Laws, III of Brunswick; sister Connie Laws Stephenson of Savannah, Georgia; brother William James Laws (Diane) of Brunswick; and many nieces and nephews.

John was raised in Baxley, Georgia. He graduated from Georgia Military Academy in 1966 and from North Georgia College in 1971. After being stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia, John served in the Army Active Reserve for two years.

John moved to Brunswick, Georgia in 1972 to begin a 35-year career with SunTrust Bank, formerly Trust Company Bank. Before retiring, he also spent five years with First Glynn Bank. In 1980, he opened the Frederica House restaurant, which he co-owned and operated for 38 years.

Over the years, John served his community with dedication through many memberships and leadership roles. He was active in the First United Methodist Church, Boy Scouts of America, Brunswick Country Club, Coastal Community Health, St. Simons Island Rotary Club, St. Simons Island Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Brunswick YWCA, Escorts Club, Ducks Unlimited, Salvation Army, and the Manna House. John was a recipient of the Silver Beaver Award of Boy Scouts of America. He also received the 2005 Emory Dawson Humanitarian Award.

John lived a full and meaningful life. He enjoyed playing golf, watching Georgia football, traveling with his family, hunting, fishing, following the weather, and tending his extensive garden. Most of all, he treasured time spent with family and friends, especially when he could cook for them and bring everyone together.

The service will be on Monday, September 28, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Brunswick, preceded by a 1:00 visitation. Interment for the family will immediately follow the service at Palmetto Cemetery in Brunswick.

The family wishes to thank Hospice of the Golden Isles. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to First United Methodist Church of Brunswick (1400 Norwich Street, Brunswick, GA 31520) or Boy Scouts of America, Coastal Georgia Council (11900 Abercorn Expressway, Savannah, GA 31419).

Arrangements are entrusted into the care of Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home www.edomillerandsons.com