John Joseph Drew Jr.

John Joseph Drew Jr., known affectionately as John or Coach, to his friends and loved ones, passed away peacefully of natural causes on November 5, 2024, in Columbus, GA.

Funeral services will be held 12:00 PM, Monday, November 11, 2024 at Holy Family Church. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 pm, Sunday, November 10, 2024 at McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907. Interment will be held at Parkhill Cemetery.

John was born on March 24, 1934, in Fort Benning, Georgia, John's life was marked by dedication, service, and an unwavering commitment to his family. He was a proud graduate of Baker High School, class of 1954 where he excelled in athletics: football, basketball (State Championship 1954), baseball, and track.  He furthered his education at Troy University before his path led him to serve his community as a member of the Muscogee County Police Department. His sense of duty continued as he was drafted into the United States Army serving his country with honor. Upon completion of his military service, John returned to the MCPD, and later, the Muscogee County Sherriff’s Department, however, that would not be his ultimate career.

From the early 1960’s onward,his love of sports led him along with his brother Tommy to coach the youth of Columbus on numerous winning Pop Warner Football teams at Edgewood until leaving to coach high school football in 1980.  While he was on the police force love of sports and coaching inspired him to return to college to get his degree in education.

After graduation he left the Sherriff’s department for his first teaching position at Hardaway High School, where he made a lasting impact as an assistant coach, and then as Head Football Coach and Athletic Director from 1984 (Region Championship ‘84) to 1989.  After his sons graduated Hardaway, he moved on to teach and coach at Columbus High School in 1990. While there, he coached Girls Golf and led them to seven state championships and nine Region Championships.  He continued to shape young minds and futures at Northside High School with two Boy’s Golf Region Championships until his retirement from the Muscogee County School District in 2017. Throughout his tenure as an educator and coach, John mentored countless students, athletes, and fellow coaches, leaving a legacy of his passion for excellence and for the life lessons that can only be learned from participating and competing in athletics.

John's love for sports was lifelong, with college football holding a special place in his heart.  He especially loved watching it with his grandchildren. Watching his six grandchildren and watching them grow and develop was his favorite role. He was always there to share his wisdom with them. One big prayer and wish he expressed often was to live long enough to watch them participate as athletes themselves.  Thankfully, this was granted.

He touched the lives of many people, but the most lasting effect was on the student athletes he mentored, many of whom are now parents and grandparents themselves, and in a few instances, he got to coach the children of his former athletes.  They still remember him fondly and the way he spurred them on to reach their potential and overcome obstacles.  Quitting was never an option for him or anyone he coached.We take solace in knowing that his legacy will live on through the lives he influenced and the love he shared.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister Victoria; in-laws J. P. and Mona Allen; and brother and sister-in-law Robert and Patricia Cottle.

He is survived by his loving wife of over 65 years, Dolores; his sons, John III and his wife Ashley, Christopher Allen and his wife Muriel, and Michael Wesley Drew; his brother Thomas E. Drew and sister-in-law Barbara D. Drew; nephew Thomas E. Drew Jr.; niece, Terri D. Massa; and grandchildren Christopher, Savannah, John IV, William, Mary Elizabeth, and Lucille; as well as his devoted dog Sweetie.