John Willis Lanthorn, Sr. 75, of Wade went to be with his Heavenly Father on Thursday, December 14, 2017 in Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. John was born December 15, 1941 in Portsmouth, Virginia to the late Mary Ivey and Fred Lanthorn. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Ernest Lanthorn, Earl Lanthorn and David Lanthorn and a sister, Ruth Stockdale. John was a beloved husband, daddy, Pepa, brother, uncle, friend and a fun loving humorous soul. He was a retired employee with PWC for 35 years. John was a Deacon and Chairman of Building and Grounds at Wade Baptist Church where he loved his church family. Funeral services will be on Sunday, December 17, 2017 at 2:00 pm in Wade Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Naylor and Rev. Raymond Myrick, officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm on Sunday. Graveside services will be on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 1:00 pm in Lafayette Memorial Park on Ramsey St. John is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Brenda Harris Lanthorn of the home; son, John "Johnny" Willis Lanthorn, Jr. and wife Norma of Wade; daughter, Melissa "Missy" Lanthorn Junot and husband John of Wade; grandchildren, Jessica Lanthorn, Taylor Junot, Madison Lanthorn and Joshua Junot; brother, Tommy Lanthorn and wife Debbie of Suffolk, Virginia; sisters, Jennie Lanthorn of Suffolk, Virginia and Brenda Williamson of Suffolk, Virginia; sisters-in-law; Marilyn Phillips and husband John, Linda Lanthorn and Ann Lanthorn and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wade Baptist Church Building Fund 7242 Main St. Wade, NC 28395.