John A. Council

John Allen Council, 80, of Morganton, NC, joined his daughter and our Father in Heaven on Thursday, September 6, 2018, after a brief illness.

He was born in Nash County, NC on April 19, 1938. He and his family always celebrated his special day on May 19 until a rediscovered birth certificate and Medicare informed them differently. He was the youngest son among 3 boys and 3 girls. Growing up as a child of a struggling tobacco farmer in Eastern North Carolina inspired countless stories of overcoming hardship, some humorous, some not so much.

John was married to Shirley Byrum on June 30, 1963. They made their lives together and remained side by side and very much in love for 55 years. His family was always his first priority. He made sure that they were all well cared for and protected all of his life.

He began his career as a correctional officer at Odom Prison Farm in Jackson, NC, in 1961. He also served as a volunteer fire fighter in Jackson. In 1973, he transferred to Western Correctional Center, otherwise known as "The High Rise," and moved his family to the mountains. In order to provide for his family, he also worked a second job at Southern Devices for several years. He spent the last 10 years of his career at Burke Youth Center, and retired from the Department of Corrections in 1990 with 30 years of service. The D.O.C. was always in his blood, and he continued to enjoy the camaraderie of the countless friends that he made on the job. After retirement, he helped raise grandbabies, transported inmates to Edwards Nursery, and delivered auto parts for Auto Supply part-time, all of which he enjoyed immensely because he was able to talk with so many people concerning grandbabies, prison, and automobiles. He never met a stranger.

He was an avid NASCAR fan, full of stories of Richard Petty, Fireball Roberts, and many other drivers he had the pleasure of meeting, with Mark Martin being his all-time favorite. He also loved football, and was a loyal Redskins fan, much to his grandson's dismay. He kept his lawn impeccable, and was "traffic patrol" for anyone that dared to drive through it on the busy Glen Alpine corner on which he lived for over for 40 years. Many folks comment on how many times they've driven by, waved, and blown the horn when they noticed him relaxing in the sun on the front porch. He was a helpful, considerate neighbor and loved by many.

John is lovingly remembered by his loving wife, Shirley; a daughter, Sheila Council; 4 grandchildren, Travis Merrill, John Bradley Merrill (significant other, Tiffany Smith), Shelby Holbrook (husband, Trey Holbrook), and Jai Overton; 2 great grandsons, Finley Holbrook, John Reid Merrill, and 3 honorary great grandsons, Brayden Morgan, Malachai Smith, and Nehemiah Smith. He is also survived by 2 sisters, Betty Jane Council of Roanoke Rapids and Margie Moore of Ohio; a special sister-in-law, Lucy Council of Roanoke Rapids; and 7 nephews, Dale Council, Jerry Council, Howard Harsh, Les Harsh, Terry Harsh, Tony Jones and Steve Council.

He is preceded in death by his father, Lester Mayo Council Sr. and his mother Bertha Bowden Council; 2 brothers, Carlton Council and L.M. Council Jr.; a sister, Ophelia Frazier; a special sister-in-law, Skipper Council; a nephew Michael Jones; special friends Jack Baird and Duane Cline. He is also preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Sherry...with whom he is now reunited. Oh what a joyous day! He had missed her so much.

Visitation will begin at 5:30, Monday, September 10, 2018 at Sossoman Funeral Home in Morganton, NC, with a memorial service immediately following at 7:00 pm. Pastor Steve Wilcox of Mountain Grove Baptist Church will be officiating. Special friends, Joe Collett and Wesley Dowdle will also be speaking.

Flowers are welcomed, and donations may be sent to Burke Hospice & Palliative Care at 1721 Enon Rd, Valdese, NC 28690.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.sossomanfh.com.