John McKnight Warren, Jr

John McKnight Warren Jr., of Fayetteville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning May 28, 2023. His loving wife was by his bedside.

John was born November 12, 1946, to the late John McKnight Warren and Lillian Charlotte Havlicek of Miami, Florida.

John is survived by his beloved wife Mary Beth Warren; his daughter Lydia Warren Roberts and her children, William Warren Roberts and Charles Stewart Roberts II; his son David Wesley Warren, his wife Joni Warren and their children, Ryan and Kaylee Warren. Survived also by his late eldest sister’s children Julie Christie Neal and Frank Barone; his late younger brother Frank Warren’s wife Sheri and their children Mac, Ben, and Candice, their spouses and their children. John is also survived by his brother William Warren, his wife Linda and their children, Jessica, Rachel, Christopher and their children. He is also survived by Jean Roddy, John’s youngest sister, her husband Jack Roddy, and their two sons Peter and Thomas Roddy; Thomas’s wife Rachel and their children. John was preceded in death by his son John Howard Warren, oldest sister Julie Hampton, younger brother Frank Warren, and his niece Sienna Howe several loving cousins and their children.

John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, educator, businessman, Presbyterian Minister, and cherished friend to many. His gregarious spirit and vibrancy filled every room he entered. With a twinkle in his eye, he never missed an opportunity to share a quick joke and brighten everyone’s day. He also lived with a deep conviction, embodying the Christian values he held dear. He fought the good fight , battling kidney disease for the last eight years of his life. His perseverance inspired everyone who knew him.

John was one of five children. Growing up in Miami, Florida, he developed a love for boating, water skiing, and always enjoyed playing various sports. He received a basketball scholarship to Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi, where he would meet the love of his life, Mary Beth Owens. After they both graduated from Belhaven, they married and John served as an elementary principal before pursuing his Masters in Education. He then pursued a career in business and his exceptional work at CTB McGraw-Hill earned him multiple awards and accolades. However, John felt a higher calling and went back to studying, devoting three years of his life to seminary, and earning a Divinity degree. He had a very large personal theological library. In 2022, he edited and republished a book (two volumes) on Psalm 119; originally published by Charles Bridges in 1827.

For over 30 years he served as a Presbyterian minister, impacting countless lives through his marriage and family counseling, officiating weddings, conducting funerals and baptisms. His genuine love for people enabled him to help many.

Mary Beth and John would have had their next wedding anniversary June 12th, and it would have been 54 years. John’s memory will forever be cherished by family and friends. May we keep his legacy of love, joy and unwavering faith in our hearts always.

Family and friends are invited Saturday June 10th, at 11am, to Cross Creek Presbyterian Church, in Fayetteville, NC for a memorial service and to celebrate his life. A luncheon will follow. The service will be officiated by Reverend Michael Mock & Reverend Jack Roddy .

In lieu of flowers, donation made be made in John’s name to the Building Fund of Cross Creek Presbyterian Church, 430 S McPherson Church Road, Fayetteville , NC 28303

Online condolences may be made at http://www.jerniganwarren.com

Arrangements by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St. Fayetteville, NC 28301 

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