John Ray Darity

John Ray Darity, age 43, of Valdosta died Sunday, September 27, 2015, in Hillsboro.

John was the son of James M. and Sara M. Darity of Hillsboro, GA. He graduated from Monticello High School with honors. During his 22 years in the United States Air Force, he obtained his bachelors’ degree from Wayland College in Alaska and his masters degree from Troy University in Alabama.

John toured all over the world including two tours in Afghanistan, one tour in Iraq. He also served in Korea, Kuwait, Okinawa and Italy. John retired from Warner Robins AFB in 2014 with the rank of Major.

After retirement, John made his home in Valdosta where he was currently working at Valdosta State University as their procurement officer. John was a member of the Valdosta Rotary Club and a member of Beaver Baptist church. He was an avid hunter and has many trophy mounts to attest to his skills.

John is preceded in death by his father, James Martin Darity, Sr. and his brother, Retired Gunnery Sergeant James Martin Darity, Jr.

He is survived by his children, Amber Darity of Macon and Daniel Darity of Monticello; his mother, Sara Morgan Darity of Hillsboro; his sister, Denise Campbell of Monticello; and his brother, Josh Darity of Billings, MT.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015, at 2 p.m. at Hillsboro Baptist Church in Hillsboro. Interment will be held in Fullerton Memorial Gardens in Hillsboro. Rev. John McDuffie will officiate.

Pallbearers are Matt Shelton, Michael Shelton, Torrey Clay, Preston Wynens, Clay Darity and Charles Turner.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Jordan Funeral Home.

Jordan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Visit its website at www.jordanfuneralhomemonticello.com.