John Edward Hendricks was born in Flint, Michigan to James and Barbara Jean Hendricks on September 9, 1949. He served in the Air Force as a ground traffic controller from 1968-1972, after which he successfully managed some restaurants. From 1989-2011 John and his wife Rachel operated the Golden Corral in Charles Town, West Virginia.

They finally settled down in Garden City, Georgia where John died on March 26, 2016 at the age of 66. He was survived by his wife Rachel, six children, five grandchildren with one on the way, and one great-granddaughter.

John Edward Hendricks - obituary

John Edward Hendricks, 66, passed away at his home in Garden City, Georgia, on Saturday, March 26. He was born in Flint, Michigan on Sept. 9, 1949. He was a Vietnam-era veteran and served in the Air Force as a ground traffic controller from 1968-1972.

After serving in the Air Force, he went on to a successful career in restaurant management. Eventually “Mr. H” and his wife Rachel settled in Charles Town, from 1989 to 2011, where they owned and operated the Golden Corral.

John was a man of faith and remained very involved in church communities from 1982 until he passed. He loved cooking and showing hospitality, fishing and target shooting, telling stories, laughing, and most of all, spending time and sharing love with his family. John’s door and heart were always open to anyone in need of a home or a father.

He is survived by his wife, Rachel; children, Kammy Buffington (Mike), Meghan, Mary Considine, Erin (Gerson Reyes), Sam (Alex Westbrook), and Kaitlin Shanahan (Colin); grandchildren, Anna Williams (Robert), Alex Schooley, Ali Schooley, Desmond Ford, Brooklyn Branson, and grandson due Sept. 2016; great-granddaughter, Lucy Williams; stepmother, Katherine Gaspar; brother, David Gaspar; and sister, Diana Lemonds.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Hendricks; stepmother, Sharon Dault; mother, Barbara Opyt, and stepfather, Cass Opyt; and stepbrother, Alan Gaspar.

A memorial service and visitation with the family will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, April 7 at theBridge church, 112 S. Fairfax Blvd. in Ranson.

John gave to anyone who had a need, so in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in his name.