John Samuel Fussell

"John Samuel Fussell passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 9, at the age of 81. Born on November 29, 1944, in Cisco, Texas, John proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and was fortunate to spend much of his life exploring and living across the United States and the world in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East before settling in Georgia.

John loved the open road and the many cars that carried him there. To him, automobiles represented freedom and the promise that there was always something worth discovering just beyond the next curve. Whether behind the wheel, watching an IndyCar race, or admiring a classic at a car show, few things brought him more joy — except for his family.

A lifelong athlete, John was the ultimate competitor, playing basketball in high school and beyond, as well as ALTA tennis and pickleball into his late 70s.

He also had a passion for photography, rarely missing an opportunity to capture the beauty of nature or the people around him. The photographs he leaves behind reflect the way he viewed the world and his family — with gratitude and appreciation.

John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, and friend. He shared four decades of love and companionship with his wife, Anne, building a life together filled with laughter, faith, and countless adventures.

Like his father before him, John was a man of few words, but he made sure not a day passed without telling his family he loved them. He worked hard, served the Lord faithfully, and would give anyone the shirt off his back without expecting anything in return. His kindness, humility, and steady presence touched all who knew him.

Of all the roads John traveled in his lifetime, the most meaningful were those shared with the people he loved. He will be missed endlessly by his beloved wife, Anne; his children, Leah Fussell, Megan Hobbs, and step-son Joshua Swafford; his granddaughters, Avery and Rylee Swafford; his siblings, Jan Young, Delbert Fussell, and Lisa Fussell; and many dear friends from Western Union, Cobb County School District, Camden Pointe, Nature Walk, and Cedarcrest Church whose lives were better for having known him.

Though he is no longer with us, it brings great comfort to know that John's spirit lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. The greatest way to honor his memory is to embrace each moment, cherish the people around you, and love deeply—just as he did every day of his life.

In his final days, John was cared for compassionately by the Wellstar Hospice team. Their kindness, comfort, and unwavering support brought peace to a difficult time, and we are forever grateful for the care they provided.

John was greeted in Heaven by his parents, John and Grace Fussell; his best friend, Joseph Smith; and his beloved pets, Gickles, Jasper, Sassy, and Lyla.

A celebration of John's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to the following charities:

American Heart Association (https://www.heart.org/en/get-involved/ways-to-give)

Cedarcrest Church Building Fund ( https://cedarcrestchurch.com/give/)

Wounded Warrior Project (https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/mission/locations/atlanta-georgia)'