John Daniel (Dan) Fourhman went to be with his Lord and Saviour December 27, 2024. He passed away peacefully in the company of family. Born December 16, 1937, Dan recently celebrated his 87th birthday.
A visitation will be held Thursday 2 January in Hunter Road Baptist Church at 1 PM EST with a funeral service following at 2 PM EST officiated by Rev Brad Parker. A graveside committal service will follow at Parkhill Cemetery.
Dan is survived by his loving wife Jeanelle of forty-two years and his children, John Dennis and wife Cindy, Joseph Dale and wife Janice, Joel Dean and wife Laura, David Anthony and wife Diane, and Deborah Lynn (Treadwell) and husband Ron.
His memory and legacy will live on in his cherished grandchildren John Jr, Amanda, Erin, Hannah, Rachel, Joseph, Rebecca, Jonathan, Sarah, Jeremy, Deanna, Justin, Savanna, Joel, Jennifer, Robert, Angel, Gracie, James, Robbie, and twelve great grandchildren. Additionally, Dan also leaves behind numerous others that he was proud to have call him Papa.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents John Franklin and Lillian Lee, and his brother William Devaughn.
Dan was born in the then rural town of Bonifay in Holmes County Florida and his family moved to Columbus when he was very young. In Columbus, he attended Fox Elementary School, and attended high school at Jordan High School where he enjoyed shop and played tuba in the concert and marching bands. He spent many years in Columbus and later settled in Cataula in 1975.
He began his forty-three-year professional career with the Ledger Enquirer while still in high school. His technical and leadership skills as Manager of Circulation and later the Manager of the Mailroom Department were admired and appreciated by all. While he greatly contributed to the success of the company, he made it his priority to care for and recognize those employees that he led. This quality of caring and “putting others first” would continue to resonate and guide all of his endeavors.
In retirement, Dan enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and making things grow. He particularly liked azaleas and planted new varieties when they became available. Additionally, he enjoyed planting new varieties of muscadines and spent many enjoyable hours tending his muscadine and grape arbors. Dan was also a devoted fan of Alabama football and the Atlanta Braves baseball team throughout the years.
His love for God and Church were forefront in all aspects of his life and he remained in their service. He and Jeanelle were deeply involved in mission work in Venezuela securing resources and funding to build and plant churches and personally witness to those in and around Barquisimeto and Siquisique. Dan enjoyed working with the children and orphanages to help them and others in need that were living in poverty. He made many lasting friendships that were like a second family to him and he made a path for several children to attend higher education in the US.
Locally, Dan attended and served as a deacon in the First Baptist Church of Cataula and later was instrumental in planning, construction, maintenance and growth of Hunter Road Baptist Church where he also served as a deacon. When walking in and around the church with friends and family, he would always comment that his DNA were in all parts of that church. Dan’s kindness and generosity benefited many in need, and he was always willing to offer his time and himself to lend a helping hand. He modeled a life of selfless service and mentored his family to do the same.
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Matthew 22:37-39
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hunter Road Baptist Church Building for the Future Fund at the link below.
https://onrealm.org/HunterRoadBapti/-/form/give/now
(Select “Building for the Future Fund” in the drop down menu)
