John Charles O'Bannon, 80, died in his home on Thursday, June 22, 2017.
From his birth to his death, he nourished people around him with love, faith, music, and food.
He was born in Erwin, N.C., to Floyd Frank O'Bannon and Julia Fulghum O'Bannon on Aug. 10, 1936, the fourth of six children. In his infancy his minister-father moved the family to Southwest Florida where John spent the majority of his life. John grew up in the "old Florida" in a large family of avid hunters, anglers, and horsemen. John attended Lee College before becoming an Evangelist for the Church of God. In the early seventies, John became a chaplain for the State of Florida serving as chaplain for Gulf Coast Center in Fort Myers, Florida, a residence facility for the developmentally handicapped. This position was one of the greatest passions of his life. John provided weekly services for residents and their families, as well as counseling. He was also known for cooking his famous "Johnny O" BBQ ribs and chicken for the annual residence family day at the center. He received numerous state and local awards for his service at this center. As an eloquent orator, gifted writer, and singer, he performed hundreds of weddings and funerals for both family and friends alike. If John was not wearing his ministerial hat, you would find him fishing, hunting, or working with his horses or dogs.
In 1987, John married his wife of 30 years, Joan Saffron O'Bannon. Together they blended a family of seven children. John and Joan moved to Cleveland, Tn., in 2005 to enjoy retirement in East Tennessee. Here he continued his passion for the outdoors, gardening, cooking for family and friends, and serving the Lord as a member of the Westmore Church of God family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Julia O'Bannon, brothers, Floyd "Fingers" O'Bannon, James "Jim" O'Bannon, and sister Betty O'Bannon Hines.
Left to honor John O'Bannon and remember his love is beloved wife, Joan Saffron O'Bannon, his children: Greg O'Bannon (Cindy) of Lehigh Acres, Florida; John Saffron of Austin, Tx.; Debra Saffron Hull (Jerry) of Cosby, Tn.; Dayne O'Bannon of Cleveland, Tn.; Gary Saffron (Chris) of Maryville, Tn.; Deanna O'Bannon Bryant (Frank) of Cleveland, Tn.; Lori Saffron Cassisi (Jason) of Griciano, Italy; 25 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Lou O'Bannon Edgar (Dennis); brother, Dr. Robert H. O'Bannon, as well as countless beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Remembrance of Life Memorial Service will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday at Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services North Ocoee St. Chapel with Reverend Wendell Smith officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday from 2-4 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to these area organizations: Hospice of Chattanooga, The Caring Place, or Westmore Church of God Benevolent Fund.