John Thomas Widgeon

John Thomas Widgeon passed away unexpectantly and peaceably in his home in Woodland, Alabama on Sunday, December 8, 2024. A memorial visitation will be held at Vance Brooks Funeral Home, 4048 Macon Road, Columbus, GA on Saturday, January 18, 2025 from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm. 

John was born in Columbus, Georgia weighing in at a mere 4.6 lbs! He was blessed with six beautiful kids, each with a heart of gold. Anyone who knew him knew he had a passion for collecting Hot Wheels, which had started at an early age; it was a hobby that brought consolation and connection to his father who he lost at the age of 10. He carried that loss close to his heart his entire life. John enjoyed caring for Elaine and James’ grounds and found a special joy in taking photos of the birds, horses and wildlife all around them. When he saw cardinals, he said Charlie was still watching over him.

John is preceded in death by his father Charles Billy Widgeon, stepfather Jack E. Thompson, grandparents Samuel C. and Mary Frances Allison, Espy and Ms. Annie Widgeon, and, sadly, by his brothers David Widgeon and Charles Walter “Charlie” Widgeon. He leaves behind his fiancée and partner of 15 years Wanda Ray, eldest son Holden Benoit, daughters Shannon Beaver (Anthony), Michelle Reneé, Mikayla Roberts (Chris), and Morgan Noel, younger son Hunter Drake, mother Annie Louise Allison-Widgeon-Thompson, sister Sherry Watford (Ricky), brother Richard K. Harston (Sherri), and bonus sister Melonie Emerson Taft, as well as special friends Alan Emerson and Elaine and James Outman.

We rejoice that he has joined his father and brothers (David and Charlie) who were all taken from this world early in life due to heart disease. Rest in Peace, John.