John Thomas Shuler

Born February 16, 1942, in Columbia, SC, he lived a life that reflected his faith and left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him. He lived with purpose, worked with integrity, and poured his heart into the relationships that meant the most to him.

John spent 15 years of his childhood in Venezuela, where he was raised and became fluent in Spanish. During his youth, he also attended various military academies in the United States, experiences that shaped his discipline, resilience, and strong sense of character — qualities he carried into every chapter of his life.

John began his career as an industrial electrician and later became the founder of Shuler Electric Incorporated (SEI), a business he built from the ground up with grit, excellence, and a belief in doing things the right way. His influence lives on in the work he created and in the many people he mentored and encouraged throughout his life.

He will be remembered for his adventurous spirit and his ability to turn ordinary moments into unforgettable memories. He loved camping, travel, boating, fireworks, fast cars, and any opportunity for a little mischief. If there was joy to be found or fun to be had, he was already in the middle of it.

John was also blessed in his final years by the unwavering support of his close friend of 35 years, Reverend Robert (Bob) Langley, and Bob’s wife, Phyllis Langley. Their weekly visits, inspirational conversations, and the oysters Bob faithfully brought were a source of comfort, laughter, and joy that John truly cherished.

John is survived by his wife, Cathie Godwin Shuler; his children Branden Barr Shuler, James Burton Lancaster, and Melissa Godwin Overton; his sister, Susan Yvonne Shuler; and their spouses; as well as his grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, John Barr Shuler and Ethel Irene Shuler, and by his son, Max Kemper Shuler, whom he is now reunited with in Heaven.

A celebration of his life will be held Sunday, November 23, at McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton, NC, with a service and visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. The service will be livestreamed at: https://McLaurin-Funeral-Home-and-Pinecrest-Memorial-Park.livecontrol.tv/8e67a552

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the SECU Hospice House of Johnston Health. The family extends their deepest gratitude to 3HC and the SECU Hospice House for the compassion and dignity shown in his final days.