John Sadler Hathaway, 81, of Virginia Beach, VA, passed away on August 18, 2024. John was born on September 24, 1942, in Portsmouth, VA.

John was a very devoted father and grandfather with a most generous heart and soul. He tirelessly gave his energies, wise advice, and finances to his daughters and grandchildren. He valued education and ministry. His daughters’ accomplishments with a doctorate (Sharon) and nursing degree (Donna) speak to his unending support for the education of both. During his life he was a baseball player (catcher), typesetter, publisher, hunter, airplane pilot, small businessman, and real estate agent/broker. First and foremost, John loved Jesus and was a devoted Christian, giving praise and glory to God every day of his life, proudly encouraging his family, friends, and acquaintances to do so also. He was a graduate of Rock Bible Institute along with his wife Emily. As a hospitable Christian couple, they housed bible school students and Christian travelers. They loved living in the mountains of Virginia. They also enjoyed traveling and inspired their children and grandchildren to travel and see the world.

John was predeceased by his wife Emily Marie (Smith) Hathaway. He is survived by two daughters, Sharon Hathaway Forrest, Ph.D. of Sunnyvale, CA and Donna K. (Hathaway) Thomas and husband Ben of Virginia Beach, VA; eleven grandchildren: Sarah, Rachael, Amy, Rebecca, Michelle, Allison, John, William and Rosa (Sharon’s children) and Ezra and Abigail (Donna’s children). John was looking forward to the birth of his first great grandchild, expected to be born in October 2024 to Michelle and her husband Andrew.

John is also survived by two brothers and their wives: Thomas Hathaway (Patti) who over the later years in life had grown to be his best friend and Joseph Hathaway, Jr. (Dot). He was the son of the late Gladys and Joseph Hathaway, Sr. and had three siblings predeceased: Robert, Grover, and Antoinette.