John Chris Andrews, 78, formerly of Chadbourn, passed away on February 1, 2025, in Roanoke, Virginia. Johnny to most who knew him was born on September 13, 1946. He was the thirteenth child of Clara and William “Bill” Andrews of Chadbourn. John graduated from Chadbourn High School in 1964 and was later drafted into the military. He served in the Army until he was honorably discharged in July 1971. John returned to Columbus County and began attending Southeastern Community College where he began his medical career as a nurse. He was a nurse for over 27 years working in Texas, Tennessee, and finally at UNC Chapel Hill until his retirement from patient care. John retired from nursing in 2017 after spending the last few years of his career with the North Carolina prison system.

Although John had no biological children, he did gain two stepdaughters when he reintroduced himself to Wanda Collins, a former classmate and they married in March of 1994. John stepped into the role of helping support both girls. He saw them through graduations, marriages and along the way welcomed six grandchildren. He will be remembered by his grandchildren for the Bojangles runs, dancing to the record player, and being allowed to jump on the bed when they had sleep overs. When asked, they will also remember being introduced to Angie’s in Garner, North Carolina for family breakfasts. He always made sure they had fully bellies, good shoes, hats and coats and loved them unconditionally.

John was preceded in death by his mother Clara and father William Andrews, as well as his 12 siblings, Margaret Andrews, William M. Andrews Jr, Marie Andrews, Tommy Andrews, Mary Alice Nobles, Louise Blake Terry, Carl Andrews, Earl Andrews, Frank Andrews, Shelton “Snuffy” Andrews, Sam Andrews, and Eva Jewel Little. He was the last surviving child of Clara and William “Bill” Andrews. He is survived by his former wife Wanda Andrews of Garner, his stepdaughters Jennafer Farmer (Alan) of Wendell, and Heather Wray (David) of Roanoke, Virginia, as well as his six grandchildren Juliana, Jessica (Cullen Brown), Jordan (Daniel Lambert), Ethan, Claire, and Mary, along with countless nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. Special to him were Carol Blake, Melody Watson and Marty Andrews in his last years.

The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and Hospice for all the grace and kindness they showed in John’s final days. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John’s memory to the DAV, Disabled American Veterans Organization. Donations can be made online at www.dav.org or by contacting your local DAV office.

Visitation will be held at Worthington Funeral Home in Chadbourn on Monday, February 17th at 5pm with a memorial service to follow at 6pm. A private graveside service will be held at Powell Cemetery in Fair Bluff.