John Barry “Pops” Laughter, 78, of Hendersonville, North Carolina passed away Thursday, October 17, 2024 at the Charles George VA Medical Center.
He was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Green Berry Laughter and Ella Mae Hill Laughter, siblings, Billy Laughter, Marie Pryor and Kay Pendleton.
He graduated from Edneyville High School and NC State College. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War where he was awarded a Bronze Star.
After the Army he returned home to start his own family and take over the family apple farm.
He was a member of Mount Moriah Baptist Church where he was a member of the choir, a former chief of Edneyville Volunteer Fire and Rescue, an assistant Scout Master for Edneyville Troop #605, member of the Asheville Elk’s Lodge #608, member of the Asheville BPO Does #140.
He was a NAUI Scuba Instructor for 25 years, loved golfing, wood working, hunting, fishing, camping and being with his family and friends.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Sandi Laughter, children John H. Laughter and his wife Terry of Cheraw, SC, Sharon Green and her husband, Hugh of Mills River, NC; grandchildren, Cody Green (Sarah), Callie Green (Kyle Strange), Mariah McLead (Joel), Ben Streater and Helena Turner; six great grandchildren, Lily, Stone, Easton, Brandon, Chloe and Jasper and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of John’s Life will be held 5:00 PM Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at Mount Moriah Baptist Church with Dr. Bryan Melton officiating. Military Honors will be performed by the U.S. Army and the Henderson County Honor Guard. The family will receive friends and family one hour prior to the celebration.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mount Moriah Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 29, Edneyville, NC 28727.
