John Eldred Thrift

John Eldred Thrift, 67, of Liberty County, GA entered his Heavenly home on Saturday, November 25, 2023 after a short illness at Memorial Health University Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.  

John was born on February 20, 1956 in Osaka, Japan to Eldred and Setsuko Thrift. He came from a military family traveling the world, upon his father’s retirement, they settled in Allenhurst, GA. 

John attended high school at Bradwell Institute and upon his graduation in 1974, he went to work at the Hinesville Ford Company as a mechanic. At a young age, he was very mechanically inclined and could take apart and reassemble engines. John followed in his father’s footsteps and took over Thrift Auto Repair Business in 1983. He recently put his wrenches down and completely retired in June 2023. 

He was an active Deacon and Sunday School teacher at Gum Branch Baptist Church. He enjoyed many things in life, living for the Lord, fellowship with his family, friends, and his church family. He loved to hunt, fish, and take camping trips with his family; he also enjoyed playing racquetball at the YMCA of Hinesville.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eldred and Setsuko Thrift.  

John is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Connie Crosby Thrift; two sons, Johnathan Waylon Thrift (Shawnea) of Long Beach, CA and Justin Eldred Thrift (Harley) of Gum Branch, GA; four grandchildren, Waylon, Ava, Millie Kate, and Isabel; cousins, Linda, Gloria, Oletha, Donna, and Tracy; sisters-in-law, JoAnn, Mary Ellen, and Bertie; his beloved Schnauzer, Jade; and several nieces and nephews. 

Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at Gum Branch Baptist Church, 8590 Highway 196, West, Hinesville, Georgia 31313. Funeral services will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at Gum Branch Baptist Church and John will lie-in-state for 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Gum Branch Baptist Church, 8590 Highway 196 West, Hinesville, GA 31313. 

Pallbearers will be Ashley Lyons, Ronald Lyons, Bill Pittman, Buddy Speicher, Paul Breningstall, Sam Taylor, and Phillip Breningstall.

Honorary Pallbearers will be the Deacons of Gum Branch Baptist Church, the Adult 4 Sunday School Class of Gum Branch Baptist Church, and the Men’s Racquetball Team at YMCA of Hinesville.  

Carter Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. To share a memory or to leave a condolence, please visit www.carteroglethorpe.com.