January 19, 2026, 79, Goldsboro – John Holeman Hawley III, 79, of Goldsboro, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, at his home in Crozet, Virginia.
The family will receive friends on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Seymour Funeral Home in Goldsboro, followed by a service to celebrate Johnny’s life at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel. Private interment will be on the family plot in Willow Dale Cemetery.
Affectionately known as Johnny, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife and high school sweetheart, Carroll Simmons Hawley; his parents, John Hawley, Jessie “Footy” Hawley, and Elizabeth “Lib” Coble Hawley; and his sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Wood and her husband, Ray, of New Bern, North Carolina.
Johnny is survived by his son, John Holeman Hawley IV, of Atlantic Beach, North Carolina; his daughter, Summer Hawley Gruber and husband Matt, of Charlottesville, Virginia; his stepdaughter, Beth Wachter Pope and husband Tracy, of Clinton, North Carolina; and his stepson, Mark Wachter, of Wilmington, North Carolina. He is also survived by his brother, Edward O’Neal Hawley and wife Pam, of High Point, North Carolina. Johnny was a proud grandfather to five grandchildren and a cherished great-grandfather to four great-grandchildren.
A longtime teacher and football coach, Johnny dedicated much of his life to mentoring young people, leaving a lasting impression both on and off the field. He deeply loved his family and friends and was known for his outgoing, social nature—making friends everywhere he went, especially during trips to the grocery store.
Johnny had a true zest for life. He was legendary on the grill, loved Jimmy Buffett, enjoyed music and dancing, and never met a stranger. His warmth, humor, and ability to connect with others will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
