John Beechwood Lastinger

John Beechwood Lastinger, affectionally known as Johnny B., 83, of Valdosta, GA died Thursday, May 28th at South Georgia Medical Center. Johnny B. was born on January 26, 1932 in Valdosta, GA. to the late Marie and John W. Lastinger.
After graduating from Emory University in 1953 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, Johnny B. served 2 years in the United States Army, where he was stationed at Ft. Lee, Virginia from 1953 to 1955. Following his military service, Johnny B. returned to Valdosta where he started a successful 15 year banking career at C&S National Bank in the Fall of 1955. In 1970, Johnny B. became the Executive Vice President of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce. He served in this role for 25 years and during this time was very instrumental in the economic development of Lowndes County, as he helped bring over 45 industries to the area. During this time, he took great personal pride in lobbying for Moody AFB at the state Capitol and Washington, DC. He was especially proud to call Valdosta his hometown. Johnny B. loved the Georgia Bulldogs, Valdosta Wildcats, the Boys & Girls Club of Valdosta and the Valdosta Country Club, where some of his most favorite times were rounds of golf with his many dear friends. He absolutely loved referring to Valdosta as Winnersville, USA. His love for Valdosta led to the creation of Valdosta Magazine with Wink Devane in 1997. Following the death of Wink, Johnny B. took full rein of the Valdosta Magazine as the owner and Publisher, and the magazine was his passion up until his death.
Johnny B. was a proud member of Sigma Chi fraternity, Rotary International Club, Gridiron Secret Society, Valdosta Country Club, Valdosta Elks Club, The Valdosta Area Bulldog Club, and First United Methodist Church. He was a past President of the Valdosta Jaycees, Valdosta High Touchdown Club, Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta, (where he coached Little League baseball, football and basketball for a span of 30 years), Valdosta High School Basketball Boosters Club, Valdosta Country Club, Georgia Chamber of Commerce Executive Association, and United Way of Lowndes County. Through these affiliations, he received numerous awards including the Jaycees Outstanding Young Man of the Year in 1962, the Boys Club Man and Boy Award in 1976 and Boys Club of America Bronze Keystone Award in 1983, and was also inducted into the Valdosta-Lowndes County Sports Hall of Fame in 1986.
He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Lamb Parramore Lastinger, son John Alexander Lastinger and wife Suzanne of Valdosta, GA.; Bradley Beechwood Lastinger and wife GiGi of Athens, GA.; grandchildren Lindsay and Jake Lastinger of Valdosta, GA.; Gracyn and Bradley Lastinger of Athens, GA. Other surviving family members include brothers-in-law and spouses John and Ginna McTier of Valdosta GA; Alex and Nancy Parramore of Madison, GA.; Bill and Peggy Parramore of Charleston, SC; cousins Bill Lastinger and Linda Lastinger Grondahl of Valdosta, GA.; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held at First United Methodist Church in Valdosta on Monday, June 1st at 11:00 am with Dr. Bob Moon officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Carson McLane Funeral Home on Sunday from 5-7pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Memorial Gifts be made to The Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta – 614 North Toombs Street, Valdosta, GA 31602 - or First United Methodist Church of Valdosta - 220 N Patterson St, Valdosta, GA 31601. Condolences may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com.



Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602