Our beloved uncle, cousin, and dear friend, John Lee Sinkhorn, drifted into peaceful slumber leaving our earthly world for God's heavenly world on May 15, 2026 at Wesley Pines Retirement Community. His niece, Deborah, was by his side.

John was born and raised in Brunswick, GA. He was the son of the late John Baxter Sinkhorn and Almeta Smith Sinkhorn.

Listening to his stories of life growing up in Brunswick, it was realized immediately that not only his wife, but also John was an instigator of mischief and fun, not only during his childhood but also during their married life.

John realized his interest in telecommunications in his youth while in the Boy Scouts, and furthered his education while serving 3 years in the Georgia Air National Guard in Brunswick. He worked for Southern Bell in Brunswick for many years and later with the State of Georgia communications, before retiring.

In his younger days he enjoyed trips to South Carolina bird hunting with his father-in-law. He loved being in the outdoors. And he loved being with family. They made many trips to South Carolina to visit with his in-laws, usually working on projects for them.

He and his wife made their second home on Fancy Bluff Creek, a marsh river in Brunswick GA where they lived for 37 years. It was his favorite place. Through the years, they renovated a small old fish camp into a split-level home, doing most of the work themselves. They raised their children and shared their life with many family members and friends. He would take his boat out fishing and happy to have others join him. These trips were occasionally followed by hosting fish fries on the pier under the oaks covered in Spanish moss. He loved being outdoors working in the yard, on the boat, projects working with wood, altering and making changes in and around their home. He had many happy memories and wonderful stories of life on the river.

John and his wife were members of the United Methodist Church, St. Simons, GA. They were very active in the church and made the Walk to Emmaus. They later joined Kairos, the prison ministry, and for many years shared their faith with male prisoners. This was a part of his life that gave much meaning and heartful enjoyment.

In 2007, 8 months after the loss of their son, they felt God guided them to Wesley Pines Retirement Community in Lumberton, NC where they made a new life and spent cherished years together until her death in 2017. They initially moved into a villa in independent living. He transformed the storage closet on the carport into a workshop and continued to work with wood, making furniture and assorted items. He planted flowers and shrubs in the yard and installed a water fountain for the birds. They fed the wildlife in the backyard as they had in Georgia.

John was moved into assisted living shortly after his wife's death where he lived his last 9 years. He was surrounded by a dedicated, kind and loving staff; and wonderful friends. Our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all the beautiful people who played such an important and caring role throughout his remaining years.

The family is also thankful for the close friendship of Burlester (Yogi) Edwards who would visit weekly and weather permitting would sit out on the porch sharing stories and laughter with other residents. He gave our uncle the emotional and spiritual strength and support needed throughout his time while in assisted living and those last days.

John was preceded in death by his wife and best friend, Esther Evelyn Perry Sinkhorn; their son, John Perry Sinkhorn; and his sister, Lucy Prudence (Prudy) Sinkhorn.

He is survived by a daughter, Elizabeth S. Kelley of Woodbine, GA; two grandchildren: Lois W. Taylor (Eric) of Woodbine, GA and A. Paul Kelley of Norfolk, VA; and two great-grandsons: Hayden and Harper Lee Taylor of Woodbine, GA. He was a much loved uncle to Deborah Canter of Virginia Beach, VA; the late Richard Peterson, Jr. (Rosie) of Rock Hill, SC; the late John Perry II of Goose Creek, SC; Marguerite Carpenter (Steve) of Hampstead, MD; Oscar Keys III of MD; and Lisa Keys of Dillingham, AK; and many great nieces, great nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews.

A memorial service at Wesley Pines was held in the Ruby Doub McMillan Fellowship Center on May 20, 2026, at 3pm. John and Esther's cremains will be laid to rest together in the Fall of 2026 at Mt. Pleasant Memorial Gardens in Mt. Pleasant, SC.