John W. Fanning, Jr.

John W. Fanning, Jr., of Panama City, FL, passed away December 10th, 2025 due to complications from Lewy Body Dementia. He was surrounded by family while receiving care at Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital. 

He was born May 21st, 1942 in Thomson, Georgia to John W. Fanning, Sr. and Georgia Ann Kitchens Fanning. He grew up in Thomson and graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and from the University of Florida in 1970 with a Master of Engineering.

John worked as an Electronics Engineer from 1964 to 1998 at what is today the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division. He was known there for his creativity, wisdom, kindness, truthfulness, and dedication. He made significant contributions in numerous technical reports and patents applying scientific principles within the field of passive and active torpedo detection, identification, and tracking and hard and soft-kill torpedo countermeasures, resulting in several individual and team awards.

John was known for his competency and advice in the areas of investing, real estate, residential construction and maintenance, taxes, and gardening, and for selling fruit for his church, St. Andrew United Methodist Church. He enjoyed friendships and investment conversations with the Bay Bulls. He also volunteered at Habitat for Humanity, teamed with his son to serve as general contractor for his son’s house, built additions to two houses, and rented several houses far below the market rate. He didn’t think it was right to make that much money from people in a tougher financial position than himself. 

John married Jean Peterson in 1974, and together they raised Thomas P. Fanning (Katie) and Laura Lebedev (Yuri). They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2024 and were voted the Valentine King and Queen of Mathison Retirement Community in February 2025. He was a tremendous source of stability and aid to his family throughout his life. His subtle sense of humor, which endured to the end, brought us joy and laughter. The legacy he leaves is one of love and generosity, and we are comforted knowing that he is now with God.

John is survived by his loving wife, Jean P. Fanning; sister Brenda Newman; children Thomas P. Fanning (Katie) and Laura Lebedev (Yuri); and grandchildren Bethany Fanning, Caleb Fanning, Madison Lebedev, Marina Lebedev, and Mikhail Lebedev, nieces Sharon Wolfe, and Angie Shay (Patrick), and a large extended family. He dearly loved his entire family.  

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Jane. 

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, December 14th, 2025 at St. Andrew UMC at 1:00 PM. The church is hosting a lunch visitation in the fellowship hall before the funeral at 11:30 AM. A graveside service also will be held at Westview Cemetery in Thomson, GA on Wednesday, December 17th at 10:30 AM, with Rev Frances Rowell officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Andrew UMC and Mercy Chefs. 

You may sign a guest book online at www.curtisfuneralhome.com

Curtis Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.