John C. Scally, Jr.

John Cornelius Scally, Jr. peacefully passed away in Eastover, NC, age 83.  He was son of John C. Scally, Sr. (AKA Jack) and Frances Scally, of Grand Rapids, MI.  John was born July 6, 1940.  He graduated from Central Catholic High School and then went on to attend Grand Rapids Junior College, Michigan State University and University of Tampa.  John was an athlete especially as a cross-country runner and also football player.  John played football at Michigan State University and he was honored as an All American football player.

John was a proud veteran with 25+ years military service.  His servant leadership began with the Peace Corps.  Then, at the age of 24, John enlisted in the Army and served 13+ years as Captain, Special Forces Green Beret, which included Vietnam tour of 13 months.  Because of many medical injuries, John was honorably discharged from Special Forces role.  Then, after multiple surgeries and years of recuperation, he later went on to serve 12+ years in Civil Servant role with XVIII Airborne Corps Headquarters at Fort Liberty (Bragg).  During these years, he served in the Gulf War, AKA Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm.  John was recognized with the following military awards: Purple Heart, Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Veterans Unit Citation, 'sand Gallantry Cross.

John is survived by his loving wife of 50+ years, Sylvia Chilgren Scally.  He was loving father to only child Anastasia (Rob) Sauer and proud grandpa to Ellie & Colton Heinzelman.  He was jovial, caring Uncle John to nieces and nephews especially those in FL and MI.  John is predeceased in death by parents, Frances Scally & John C. Scally Sr., and two sisters, Sandra (Jim) Doran & Jackie Anderson.

John was proud Irish man and gracious in helping others.  He was fun friend who especially loved sharing stories during Happy Hour.  John's smile would light up a room.  He always loved his Collie dogs.  John was dreamer and always thinking ahead.  John was also a licensed Realtor in multiple states.  As for hobbies, he enjoyed buying/selling flat bed trailers and anything else with wheels.  John loved adventure, travel, sports and coaching.  He enjoyed fishing, gardening, the ocean and anything a mile high in the sky atop Beech Mountain, NC.

John's legacy will live on within his family and friends.  His final resting place will be Bay Pines National Cemetery, St. Petersburg, FL.

And remember, as John would often say, "Freedom is not free."