Born June 12, 1944, in Douglas, Georgia, he was the son of the late Mary Charlotte Thorn Updike and Gail Ward Updike.
John graduated from Massanutten Military Academy and Shepherd College, where he became a member of Delta Sigma Pi, a Business Fraternity. He worked in the family business, Burkhart Oil Company, and went on to establish other local businesses John’s Pool Supplies and Updike LLC. He was a Quiet Birdman, and a member of the Masonic Lodge Equality #44, and Scottish Rite. John was an avid Thunderbird collector, and loved other antique cars as well. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, pilot, businessman and friend.
He will be deeply missed by his friends and family. He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Alma Jean Updike; three children, Rhonda Boyer and husband Randy, Mary Gail Updike and husband Rick Stotler, and John Thorn Updike II; four grandchildren, Payton Boyer, Karsyn Boyer, Spencer Updike, and Colton Stotler and two faithful dogs, Lucy and Snuggles. Also surviving is his brother, Ronald Gail Updike.
Family will be receiving friends on Thursday evening, February 14, 2013, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Rosedale Funeral Home. The funeral service will be Friday, February 15, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Rosedale Funeral Home with Pastor Mike Lowrey officiating,
Interment following at Rosedale Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of the Panhandle, 122 Waverly Ct. Martinsburg, WV 25401
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