John Kendrick, Jr. was born in Dougherty County, Georgia on November 24, 1962, to the late John Kendrick, Sr. and Cena Mosely Mathis.

At an early age, he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior.  He united with the Jordan Grove Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend E. J. Menefee.  Throughout life's journey, John remained humbled and prayerful.

John received his early childhood and secondary education in the Dougherty County School system, graduating from Dougherty Comprehensive High School in 1980.  While at Dougherty, he garnered much from his educational experiences while actively participating in various student organizations and school functions.

Ready to serve his country after graduation, John enlisted in the United States Navy where he served with distinction. During his enlistment, he received the Navy "E" Ribbon, Good Conduct Award, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and Expert Rifleman Medal.  Among his many other military accomplishments, his educational experiences included Technical Library Administration and Military Specialty Independent Duty A Float.  While assigned at posts throughout the US and abroad, John also worked as a storekeeper.  He was a soldier to the core and the discipline and patriotism he learned in the Navy never left him.  At the close of his tour of duty, he returned home to civilian life and employment with  DHL Delivery Service where he received numerous accolades for his dedication and unquestionable work ethics from the company's owner, Steve Wilson and his supervisor, Chris Smith.

John was an extremely straight-forward, unpretentious individual; but he was also a good guy who had a big heart for all things.  His love for family and friends was endless; he cherished each moment spent with them; and there was never a dull moment when he was around.  He was a man of many talents but his greatest passion was cooking and grilling.  Whenever there was a family function, he put his heart and soul into preparing succulent ribs and roasts that took "center stage" when placed on the serving table.  Knowing that he had created mouth-watering masterpieces, he quietly packed his supplies and replied, "I'm gone"!

On Sunday, December 25, 2022, John answered the Master's call at his home and peacefully transitioned to eternal rest.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Angela Kendrick Wiley; grandparents, Mann Mosley, Mary Mosely, and Fannie Bell Kendrick; and his step-father, Jesse Mathis.

Loving memories will forever be cherished by his children, Damien (Natalya) Jones, Sr. of New Orleans, LA and Carla Kendrick Malone of Atlanta, GA; grandson, Damien Jones, Jr.; siblings, Dennis (Patricia) Kendrick of Atlanta, GA, Teresa Clark of Albany, GA, and Michele Turner of Florida; stepmother, Bernice King Kendrick; step-brothers and sisters, Dr. Roderick (Deion) Mathis, Veron (Sandra) Mathis, errell (Angela) Mathis, Patricia (Bernard) Leveston, Gloria (James) Brown, Eva (Eddie) Slappey, Sr., and Angela (Fred) Harvey; goddaughter, Clarity; aunts and uncles, Lizzie Paige, Marie King, Cindy Bardge, Emma (Frank) Sanders, Gloria Mosely, Nettie Mosely, and Mattie (Ernest) Wright; a very special friend, Valarie