John Earl Douglas, 79, of Ware Shoals, passed away June 14, 2026, at Hospice and Palliative Care of the Piedmont in Greenwood, SC.

Born in Laurens, he was the son of William and Maggie Lou Douglas.

A proud veteran of the United States Army, John honorably served his country during the Korean War. Following his military service, he dedicated many years to a career in corrections, retiring as a correctional officer from Perry Correctional Institution. Never one to slow down, he continued serving his community after retirement by working in transportation for the Laurens County Detention Center. He cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, who brought him immense joy and pride. An outdoorsman at heart, he could often be found working on lawnmowers, tending to his yard, or simply enjoying time outside. When he couldn't be outside, he turned to his favorite game, Farmville, where he could continue to enjoy the great outdoors from the comfort of his living room. John is survived by daughters, Beverly Brown (Grady "Bear") and Karen Bratcher; son, Steven Douglas (Takoya); significant other, Jenelle Sizemore; grandchildren, Jonah Douglas (Karlee), JR Whitfield (Stephanie), Harleigh Cowart (Michael), and Justin Douglas; great grandchildren, Mason, Logan, Caleb, and Magnolia Whitfield, and Tytlus and Twylah Cowart; and one great grandchild on the way, Bowen Douglas.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by wife, Betty Pace; and sisters, Gloria Ricks, Kathleen Ricks, and Loucindy Davenport.

The family will hold a memorial service at a later date.