John Homer Lingle, age 89, passed away suddenly on Saturday evening, February 3, 2018, at his home in Aberdeen, NC.
He was born in Lamar, Colorado and lived on a small ranch with his parents along with his four siblings. At fifteen, he dropped out of school and lied about his age so he could join the Army. He served in World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam War. He earned his high-school equivalency diploma and the equivalent of an associate’s degree before being sent to Korea. He won multiple awards for valor during his military service: Bronze and Silver Stars. But the award he’s the proudest of is the two Oak-Leaf Clusters on his Good Conduct Ribbon. He retired from the Army in 1971.
John belonged to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Lodge, Masonic Lodge No. 484, AF & AM. He is a benefactor member of the NRA and a life member of the VFW.
There isn’t enough time to list all that made John unique, and if we tried, it still wouldn’t show the depths of who he was. We’re less for his passing as he leaves a hole in our lives and our hearts. He was married twice, and despite the fact that John didn’t have children, he helped raise his step-children like they were his own. John was an avid reader and a recognized wood carver. He enjoyed camping and riding a motorcycle. John was an expert marksman, and with this talent, he found himself competing in pistol shooting tournaments and on the USA team in the Pan American games. He could put an edge on the dullest of blades and eat a plate of cornbread in record time. John believed in sharing the “good stuff,” and his plump dogs are evidence to it. If he cared about you, John never lost faith and supported you. His kindness and wicked sense of humor were well known, and if you were around him, you experienced both.
He is survived by his wife, Rosemary Lingle; sisters, Gracie Visich and Olide Aretz; Daughters Carol Johnson, Laura (Tony) Smith, Lisa (Michael) Muller; Son Bryan (Terri) Welborn; Grandchildren Debbie Singer, Wendy Johnson, Christopher Johnson, Mandi Cook, Jennifer Pearson, Cody Presley and Jessica Burch; twelve Great-grandchildren and two Great-great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents Marion and Myrtle Lingle; brother Albert Lingle and sister Myrtle Day Lingle.
Services will be at Boles Funeral Home at 425 W. Pennsylvania Ave, Southern Pines, NC 28387 on Saturday, February 10, 2018, at 10 am.
Memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust or Local Pet Charity like Animal Advocates of Moore County or Caring Hearts for Canines.
To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of John Homer Lingle, please visit Boles’ Tribute Store.
Online condolences: BolesFuneralHome.com.
Mr. Lingle’s family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers at Sandhills Sentinel.
