John William Carlisle

John William Carlisle, 96, died peacefully on November 9, 2022.  He was born in the small town of Tillery in Halifax County, North Carolina to Moses Carlisle and Mattie Carlisle (Nee Edmonds).  John was predeceased by his father, mother, and younger sister Anna-Mae Carlisle.

John or “Jack” as he was sometimes known by his relatives and friends lived in Tillery until he was five years old when his parents moved to Newport News, Virginia where his father worked in the Navy Shipyard, while his mom was the homemaker.  Though his parents made a family home in Virginia, John who was ambitious wanted more; and at 16 years old he left Virginia and moved to New York City near his uncle and aunt, and where he envisioned better opportunities to grow and prosper.  While living in New York City he diligently worked, and enrolled into Wadley High School majoring in Music, while taking courses in Math, English, American History, and Basic Science.

At this time World War II was in full swing, and after his third year of high school he enlisted and served in the Pacific theater in the Philippines with the 3122nd Engineer Fire Fighter Platoon stationed in Manila.  Army Private First-Class John Carlisle was honorably discharged out of Fort Dix in 1946, went back to work at the time with the U.S. Postal Service in New York City and attended night school to finish his high school diploma.

In 1949 he met Barbara Showers who would ultimately become the love of his life for 72 years when they married in 1950.  Being the ambitious person, he continuously worked to better himself through self-education, becoming a musician, an electrician, computer wireman, and a self-employed business owner, while raising two boys with his loving wife.  He and Barbara insisted, demanded, and were successful at ensuring their children continued to challenge themselves with ever increasing education and to carry themselves with dignity and respect for others.

John was a loving, funny, and faithful man, father, and husband who believed in the teachings of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  John is survived by his devoted wife, Barbara M. Carlisle (Nee Showers). As well as his loving sons, Michael A. Carlisle (Inger R. Carlisle) and Paul V. Carlisle (Flor C. Carlisle).  John was also the cherished grandfather of Adrienne Carlisle, David Carlisle, and Aidan Carlisle.  He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. 

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the National Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) or The American Legion.

John's service will be Live Streamed on Candle Light's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxi6Q4sEkXWnn-tuNt1hlBg.