John C Goshorn Jr, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, made his peaceful transition in his home on Wednesday, March 16, 2011 after a two-year illness. He is preceded in death by his parents, John C Goshorn and Elizabeth Swan Goshorn. John was completely devoted to and is survived by his wife of 57 years, Edna Saunooke Goshorn of Whittier; his daughters, Diane (Whittier), Debra Shan and son-in-law Tom Pendergraft (Tulsa, Okla.) and Donna (Cherokee); three beautiful grandchildren, Brandon Beck (Sylva), Loma and Neosha Pendergraft (Oklahoma); brother Gary and sister-in-law Mary Margaret Goshorn (Baltimore) and family.
John was born in Aberdeen, Maryland, but grew up in Baltimore. He graduated from City College High School and attended Wooster College in Ohio before serving 4 years in the navy during WWII, where he saw action in the Pacific. He worked for the US Government in Edgewood Maryland as an electronics technician for over 26 years including research at the experimental hydrogen bomb testing site in Mercury Nevada. John and Edna raised their family in Maryland until retiring in 1979 and moving to Whittier NC where he built their home. John actively pursued his loves of fishing, hiking, tennis, table tennis and playing cards with many friends. A lifelong Presbyterian he served in various roles such as Elder, Deacon, and Treasurer in the Presbyterian Church.
He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and encouraged his daughters and grandchildren to travel, to continue their education and to pursue their dreams. He is well loved and will be deeply missed by his family and many friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Bryson City Presbyterian Memorial Fund, WestCare Hospice or the charity of their choice.
Reverend Terry Hanna will officiate the Memorial Service, which will be held Saturday, March 19, 2011 at the Bryson City Presbyterian Church, 311 Everett Street. www.crispfuneralhome.org