John Henry Weldon

Master Chief Petty Officer John Henry Weldon affectionately known to family as “Sudie Boy”, “Big Daddy” and “Weldon” took his peaceful journey to our Lord and Savior on September 18, 2022. John’s family and all who loved him celebrate his 87 years of life. A life full of lessons, experiences, love, and service. John will continue to be cherished as the greatest father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and child of God.

 John Henry Weldon was born on August 17,1935 in Ryan, South Carolina. He passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, September 18, 2022 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The son of the late Willie T. Weldon and Bertha (Rabb) Weldon, he and his 11 siblings were raised on 190 acres of farmland in Fairfield County that was purchased by his father under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. John attended Fairfield County Public Schools in South Carolina where he received his academic high school diploma and proudly drove the local school bus. John briefly enrolled in Benedict College where he met his favorite teacher; “Miss Annabelle ”who encouraged him daily to “get yourself a workable philosophy.”

Having mastered his workable philosophy, John enlisted in the United States Navy in March of 1958 as an Instrument Repairman. John also served in the capacity as an Equal Opportunity Program Specialist and a Navy Recruiter Canvasser. While in the Navy John  received the National Defense Service Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, the Seventh Good Conduct Award for Period ending February of 1985, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, and a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. In February of 1988, having served thirty honorable years, John retired from the Navy. As a retired Veteran, he enrolled in the Virginia Beach Campus of Tidewater Community College earning an Associate degree in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration.

On December 16, 1968, John was united in marriage to Norma Elizabeth (Dennis) Weldon of Havre De Grace, Maryland until their dissolution of marriage. John was a stepfather to eight children which he loved and raised as his own. John instilled his workable philosophy in the children, exemplifying the epitome of fatherhood. John treasured spending quality time with his family. He was a kindred spirit with a caring disposition, a keen intellect, sharp wit, and a special gift for storytelling. In his free time, he enjoyed woodworking, working on cars, refrigeration projects, fixing watches and anything that needed repairing. John  enjoyed bowling. He was a devout member of various camping and recreational clubs. Through much of his adult year, he traveled to South Carolina in his RV to continue to work on his family farm.

John was preceded in death by his parents Willie T. Weldon and Bertha (Rabb) Weldon; daughter Joy Jones; three brothers Paul Weldon; Willie T. Weldon; Charles (Estelle) Weldon and six sisters Annie Lee (Herman) Sancho; Mattie (Jimmie) Owens; Odaris Weldon; Mary Ellen (Clarence) Lewis; Oreather (Simpson) Brown; Marjorie W. Owens; Betty Jane Weldon; and brother-in-law James Daniels.

John Henry Weldon is survived by his seven children Toni Bembridge of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Jerry Jones of Norfolk, Virginia;  Michael Jones of Bronx, New York; Craig Jones of Hampton, Virginia; Sheryl Dorsey of Chesapeake, Virginia; Bridgette Riddick of Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Stephanie (Eric) Beard of Suffolk, Virginia; nine grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren; one sister, Ruth Daniels, of Columbia SC; one sister in law, Frances  Weldon of Columbia, SC as well as a host of nieces, nephews and a plethora of relatives, and dear friends, all of whom will miss him dearly.

We salute you and thank you for your dedicated service and steadfast love.