John Townes Shapard Sr.

Mr. John Townes Shapard Sr. died on Wednesday, June 14, at age 74. John passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family at Brightmoor Hospice in Griffin. John was a truly devoted and giving husband, father, and grandfather. John was born in 1949 at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, Ga. He graduated from Griffin High School in 1967 and earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Gordon Military College in 1969. He then earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting in 1972 from the University of Georgia, where he also lettered in Varsity Golf. After college, John joined his father, R.P. Shapard Jr., and brothers in the textile business in Griffin. He worked as an accountant and vice-president of Spalding Knitting Mills until that business closed in the mid-1990s, after more than seventy years of manufacturing hosiery for retailers such as Sears, McCrory, and others. Like many members of his family, John was a long-time member and supporter of St. George’s Episcopal Church in Griffin. In his younger years, he was an active member of the Rotary Club and the Elks Club. He also was a member of the Griffin Country Club, as well as Linville Golf Club in Linville, N.C. John’s parents built a home there as a retreat from the summer heat in Griffin; and John grew up working on the course and playing golf there during the summers. He and his family later spent much of their time in the summers at their beautiful home there. John played in the Linville Four-Ball golf tournament for approximately forty years, first with his father and then his nephew. Back in Griffin, John was a fixture at the city golf course, where he and his golf buddies battled over every shot after work and on the weekends. He was a skilled player for a long time; over the years, he was a winner of the Griffin city championship, and played in tournaments such as the Georgia Open. He was generous to his family and friends, and he will be greatly missed. Survivors include his devoted wife, Lillian Shapard; daughter, Terri Moody (Ronald) of Griffin, son John Shapard Jr (Cara) of Griffin, son Tom Shapard of Valdosta; five grandchildren: Katherine Moody, Lilly Moody, Townes Shapard, Sophie Shapard, and Emma Shapard; sister Sally Hill of Tampa, FL; sisters-in-law Virginia “Ginger” Shapard, Mary Ann Shapard, Diane Barlow, Donna Overby, Marie Smith, and Marty Shapard of Griffin; brother-in-law Jerry Soloman of California; and a large family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws whom he deeply loved. John was preceded in death by father, Robert P. Shapard Jr, his mother, Katherine F Shapard, and his brothers Robert P Shapard III, William H Shapard, Richard M Shapard, and Herbert F. Shapard. Visitation will be Wednesday, June 21, from 6-8 pm at Haisten McCullough Funeral Home, 1155 Everee Inn Rd. In Griffin. Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. George’s Episcopal Church, 132 North 10th St. in Griffin. After a graveside service, the family will welcome all friends and family at the Shapards’ home. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to St. George’s Church and St. George’s Episcopal School. For online condolences please visit www.haistenmcculloughfuneralhome.com. Haisten McCullough Funeral Home, 1155 Everee Inn Road, Griffin, is in charge of arrangements.