January 14, 2021, 85, Seven Springs –
John Preston Daly II went home to be with Jesus, his Lord and Savior on Thursday, January 14, 2021. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Rose Grant Daly, who was his whole world.
“Johnny” was blessed with two children whom he loved dearly, Johnny Alan Daly and wife Marie Daly, and the late Amy Rose Daly Smith and husband Jimmy Allen Smith. He was also the proud grandfather of Laura Rose Smith Bryan and husband William Bryan, Elizabeth Daly Smith, John Preston Daly III, and William Alan Daly along with his only great-grandchild, Mamie Elizabeth Bryan.
Son of John Benjamin and Ethel Mae Parks Daly, John P. was born on January 13, 1935. He is one of four children; Charles Harold Daly and wife Barbara Jean, Barbara Ann Daly Thompson and husband David, and the late Dorothy Daly Strickland, all of which have spent the majority of their life within walking distance of one another in the Daly Community.
Johnny graduated from Seven Springs School in 1952. He was drafted in 1957 and served as an Army M.P. in Albuquerque, NM where he met many of his lifelong friends. He later returned home and raised chickens on the family farm while also working for Dupont in Kinston NC, where he eventually retired after 31 years.
Johnny and Rose were both charter members of Walker Memorial United Methodist Church, where he spent years holding various positions within the church. He was also a long-time member of the Goldsboro Masonic Lodge #634 A.F. & A.M.
During his free time, he enjoyed working on projects in his woodworking shop, gardening, traveling in his RV, hunting, fishing, and most of all, spending time with his family.
A graveside service celebrating Johnny’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 in Pineview Cemetery, Seven Springs, NC. The family will greet friends following the service at the cemetery and other times at his home. Attendees are asked to wear a face covering and practice social distancing.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in his memory to Walker Memorial United Methodist Church, 2862 NC Hwy 111 South, Seven Springs, NC 28578.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
