John Worthington, Jr.

John Worthington Jr. passed away on May 24, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a legacy of strength, devotion, resilience, and deep love for those fortunate enough to know him. His life was one defined by faith, family, loyalty, hard work, and the kind of quiet wisdom that remains in the hearts of loved ones forever.

Above all else, John loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His faith was the foundation of his life, and he never missed an opportunity to share the good news of Jesus with others. Whether through his words, his kindness, or the way he lived his life, John’s desire was always for others to know the love and grace of God. He faithfully served as a Deacon at his church and was known as a man of deep conviction, compassion, and unwavering faith.

John was a proud disabled Vietnam Navy Veteran who served his country honorably. His years of service reflected the courage, sacrifice, and dedication that continued throughout his life. He also spent many years as a long-haul truck driver, a profession he truly loved. He enjoyed the open road, the people he met along the way, and the sense of purpose his work gave him.

Outside of work, John found peace and happiness in fishing, a pastime he deeply enjoyed. He was the kind of man who could find joy in simple moments and believed in helping others whenever he could. John gave to those in need without hesitation or question, always willing to lend a hand, offer encouragement, or share what he had with someone struggling.

John was preceded in death by the love of his life, his beloved wife, Charlene Worthington, with whom he shared many cherished years and built a family rooted in love and perseverance. Their bond was one of faith, dedication, love, and enduring partnership that served as an example to generations of family members.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Worthington and Leona Hall Worthington. Although John never had the opportunity to know his mother, Leona Hall Worthington, he often spoke with hope and anticipation about one day meeting her in Heaven. That reunion was something he carried in his heart throughout his life.

John experienced both great joys and profound losses throughout his journey. He was preceded in death by his son, John Byron Worthington; his daughter, Vonda Dotson; his grandson, Ricky Joe Amick; and his great-great-granddaughter, Josie Dennis. Though their absence brought great sorrow, the love he held for them never faded and remained a part of him every day.

He was also preceded in death by several beloved siblings and extended family members: Betty Holley and her husband Jack Holley, Annie Bell Worthington, JB Worthington and his wife Martha Worthington, and Artillia “Tilly” Judah and her husband Earl Judah. Each held a special place in his heart, and he carried treasured memories of them throughout his life.

John leaves behind a loving family who will forever honor his memory and continue the legacy he created. He is survived by his sister, Geraldine “Jerry” Worthington, whose lifelong bond with him remained steadfast through the years.

He is lovingly remembered by his children, Rebecca Furr and her husband Ricky Furr, Connie Little and her husband Tony Little, and John Worthington and his wife Gail Worthington. His family was the center of his world, and nothing brought him greater pride than watching them grow and build families of their own.

John was a proud grandfather to Tabatha Floyd and her husband Lee Floyd, JT Bailey and his wife Sharonda Bailey, and Zoe Furr. He treasured every moment spent with his grandchildren and deeply valued the laughter, stories, and memories they shared together.

He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Tyler Dennis, Brandon Dennis and his wife Kirsten Dennis, Cody Dennis and his wife Sarah Dennis, Courtney Dennis, Mya Bailey, and Ella Bailey. His legacy continues through his great-great-grandchildren Grayson Dennis, Willow Dennis, Hayden Dennis, and Jackson Dennis, whose lives carry forward pieces of his spirit, strength, and love.

In addition to his immediate family, John leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, extended relatives, church family members, and lifelong friends who will remember him for his caring heart, strong presence, generous spirit, and unwavering love for family and faith.

Those who knew John will remember a man who loved deeply, endured hardships with strength, and never stopped caring for the people around him. Whether through his guidance, his stories, his sense of humor, his testimony of faith, or simply his presence, he made a lasting impact on the lives he touched. His family will forever remember the lessons he taught, the sacrifices he made, and the unconditional love he gave so freely.

Though his passing leaves an emptiness that can never truly be filled, his memory will continue to live on in every story shared, every family gathering, and every generation that follows him. The love of a father, grandfather, brother, veteran, and friend is never lost - it becomes part of those he leaves behind.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on June 13, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Hartsell Funeral Home in Midland, North Carolina, with the funeral service immediately following at 2:00 p.m.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland is serving the family.