"JC" John Cecil McEwen

Mr. John Cecil “J.C.” McEwen, 93, passed away Tuesday, November 26, 2024. He was born October 3, 1931 to the late Stanley Steelman McEwen and Mary Lena Trivette McEwen. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline Messer McEwen; siblings, Sherlie (Harold) Renegar, Mattie (Alton) Renegar, Russel McEwen, Mary (Johnny) Hobson, Jesse (Arvesta) McEwen. He grew up a share croppers’ son. The winter after his 10th grade year he worked with Russell and Alton logging. The next spring he went to work with PH Hanes packing underwear. He joined the National Guard in 1950 and in the final week of his expected duty, he was drafted into the United States Army. He was deployed overseas to serve in the final 2 years of the Korean War. After his military service, he came home and picked back up with PH Hanes/Sara Lee for the next 45 years where he retired as the Manager of Apparel Technical Services after having traveled the world and creating 13 patents. He would proudly recall that it took 3 people to replace him when he retired. In his younger years, he wanted to get away from the farm, but was glad to come back to it in retirement. During retirement, JC loved helping his brother on the farm. JC grew a huge garden which he gave away to family and friends. He would go to eastern North Carolina and get a pickup truck bed full of sweet taters and give them all away when he got home. He believed in treating others like you would want them to treat you. He would say, “Who do you know has had a life like this, I’ve had a good life”. He is survived by his brother, William Price McEwen (Rita Bennett); and lots of nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be 3:00 P.M. Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Greg McEwen officiating. The family would like to thank the staff of Davie Nursing and Rehab for the loving care shown to JC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Liberty Baptist Church. Gentry Family Funeral Service of Yadkinville is serving the McEwen family.