John Zimmerman, Sr.

John "Johnny" Earl Zimmerman, Sr., age 51, of Osceola-Ossipee Road went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 17, 2009. He was a native of Guilford County and the husband of Melissa Turpin Zimmerman who survives. Johnny worked with his father for many years at Zimmerman Service Center and he later worked with Consolidated Container, Inc. He recently was employed as a driver for James Saunders Grading. Johnny was a member of Friendship United Methodist Church where he operated the church sound system for services. Johnny was known as the "Community Dad" counseling many young people in the church and community. He was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed many hobbies including fishing, hunting, horseback riding and a lifetime of farming. Survivors include his wife, Melissa Turpin Zimmerman of the home; daughters, Jessica Zimmerman Stout and her husband, Joshua of Browns Summit, Rebecca Ann Thoren also of Browns Summit; sons, John Earl Zimmerman, Jr. of Mebane, Robert Daniel Thoren of Browns Summit and Nicholas Rose of Winter Park, Florida; grandchildren, Autumn Rose Zimmerman and Savannah Rachelle Larson; sister, Ann Vaughn and her husband, Richard of Greensboro; brothers, David Zimmerman and his wife, Dona of Browns Summit, Wayne T. Zimmerman of Browns Summit and James Zimmerman and his wife, Kathy of McLeansville. He is also survived by special friends, Dr. Karen Richter, Vernon Baity and Hollis Marshall, and by his dog Samantha Woo, who was truly a man's best friend. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mary Louise Eanes Zimmerman. A service to celebrate his life will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Friendship United Methodist Church by Pastor Cayce Sapp and Pastor Rick Lebaube. The burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Monday at Lowe Funeral Home and Crematory and other times at the home. Memorials may be made to Friendship United Methodist Church, P O Box 462, Browns Summit, NC, 27214.