John Ellenburg, Jr.

John (Johnny) Ellenburg, Jr. left this Earth on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at the age of 66. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Sunday, March 26, 2023 at 4:00 pm at Grace City Church, 294 Oakland Pkwy, Leesburg, GA.

Johnny was born on January 4, 1957, to the late John Ernest Sr. and Mary Joan Ellenburg, in Spartanburg, SC, where he spent his childhood. At age 11, the family moved to Dalton, GA and John would live there through his graduation at Dalton High School.  He was a Catamount through and through! Johnny or “Straw Man” was a star football player and held the Pole Vault State record for many years, along with earning other athletic accolades.  Not that sports held all of his attention, John was also a talented singer and many of you will recall his performances as “Elvis” singing “You Ain’t Nothin’ But A Hound Dog”.  He attended Tennessee Tech before joining the United States Air Force.   John was based in Cheyenne, WY and while serving in the Air Force, he made his athletic mark on the golf team for Warren Air Force Base.  The man could play a wicked game of golf!

John spent his young adult life in Jacksonville, FL before moving to Albany, GA to be closer to family.  In Albany, he met the love of his life, Joyce Lane, and they married a year later.  John was blessed not only with an incredible wife, but two beautiful, kindhearted children, Jessi, and Matt.  They enjoyed life together in Sasser, GA and being a part of their church family at Grace City Church.  

John is survived by his wife Joyce, daughter Jessi (Josh), son Matt (Kelly), his beloved grandchildren Abigail, Lillie, Tabitha, and Mary Hagin, with one more granddaughter on the way, his sister Debbie Anderson (David), his brother Jeff Ellenburg (Robin), and his sister Lisa Arnold (Kelly).  And we can’t forget his adoring pets Dooley and Sadie.  All of us have been touched greatly by John’s kindness, love, and humor throughout our lives, especially his grandchildren who adored their Papa John. 

John was an avid Georgia fan, and we are certain that he and his dad, Ernest are in Heaven right now continuing their Georgia/Clemson rivalry.  Meanwhile, his mom, Joan is trying to change the subject and is striking up an Elvis duet with her son.  It’s a reunion that brings joy to our hearts and we are certain that he is charming the masses up above. 

Heaven is now a little sweeter with our John Boy there. 

The family will receive friends at Grace City Church, Sunday beginning at 3:00 pm until the Celebration of Life at 4:00 pm.

In memory of John, those desiring may make donations to Grace City Church, Legacy Building Campaign at mygracecity.church/legacy.