John Newkirk Cassels

John Newkirk Cassels ,68, passed away on April 30th, 2023, at his home in Whigham surrounded by his loving family. A Memorial visitation will be held from 10a.m.-12p.m. on Saturday, May 6th, 2023, at Allen & Allen Celebration of Life Chapel, Thomasville, GA. A private burial service will be held at Centennial Methodist Church Cemetery. John was born in Joliet, IL on June 29th, 1954, to the late James and Marion Newkirk Cassels. He earned his bachelor's degree in business at Illinois State University on a swimming scholarship. He was a member of Centennial Methodist Church of Cairo, and was the CEO of Wolf Bay Nursery, Cairo, GA. John became a WWII enthusiast and loved to read about war history as he was proud that his father, Air Force pilot Second Lt. James Cassels commanded 19 missions in Europe and Africa during WWII. Being a college athlete himself, he was an avid fan and enjoyed attending FSU women's basketball games. He also enjoyed golfing and playing poker with his friends every Tuesday night. Survivors include his children Kaitlin Cassels Johnson (Chris) of Tallahassee, Samuel Newkirk Cassels of Whigham, Lauren Kelley Cassels of Atlanta, and Mallory Anselme of German Valley, IL; 3 grandchildren; brother Tom Allen Cassels (Leizl) of Tallahassee; nephew Luke Cassels of Tallahassee; his wife of 18 years, Kelley Cassels of Whigham; and a host of cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers James "Jimmie" Chason Cassels and Scott Cassels. The family wishes to thank the Lewis Hall Oncology Center Staff; as well as, Urology Associates, Thomasville, GA for their dedication to John's treatment in his fight. Any donations can be made to Centennial Methodist Church of Cairo in John's memory.