John Robinson Dominey, Jr.

John Robinson Dominey, Jr, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, Ex-POW WWII and friend, died July 11, 2017 in McRae, Ga.   He was born in Atlanta, Ga on August 22, 1924 to the late John Robinson Dominey, Sr and the late Ira Euline Pierce Dominey .

Services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, July 14, at McRae United Methodist Church. Burial will be at 2:30 P.M., at Stanley Cemetery, Dublin. Visitation is Thursday, 6:00-8:00 P.M. at the Vaughn Funeral Home, McRae.

John graduated from Tech High School and then enlisted in the Army Air Force at the age of 19. He was a member of the 15th Air Force, 455th Bomb group, 742nd Bomb squadron.  During WWII he was the ball turret gunner on a B24 Liberator, Roger the Lodger. He was nicknamed ‘Duck’ by his crew, due to his ability to talk just like Donald.  After 18 missions his plane was downed by enemy fire over the Danube in Linz, Austria on April 25, 1945.  He parachuted out and was captured and held as a POW until May 5.  He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant and received the American Theater Ribbon, EAME Ribbon with 3 bronze stars, Good Conduct medal, Air Medal with 1 bronze cluster and the Victory Medal.

When he returned to the states he obtained a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from  GA Tech and  met the love of his life, Annis Hentz Crosby, who was attending Grady Hospital’s nursing program.  They were married on October 14, 1950 in Greensboro,Fla and moved to Folkston, Ga after he accepted a job with Hercules Powder Company. John purchased his first table saw and began his life long passion for woodworking. Two daughters later, (Iris & Becky), they moved to Sanford, Fla where together they were instrumental in forming  Grace Methodist Church.  He served on the official church board and  taught Sunday School. Three sons, (John, Jack, Jay),  were added to the family before John and Annis moved to McRae,Ga in August 1963 for John to continue his career with Hercules.  Their last child, another son, (Jimbo) was born two weeks after the move.

While in McRae, John immediately became involved with McRae Methodist church, taking his children to achieve perfect attendance pins while he taught the Claude Fullerton Sunday school class.  He later attended McRae Presbyterian Church.

With a houseful of children, he became a Scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts and helped maintain Hilltop Swimming Pool in Helena.  He perfected his woodworking skills, building his little red barn to house his prize riding mower and later designed and built a larger version for his woodworking shop housing  every power tool that could be bought from Sears. His baby cradles and stepping stools have been treasured by many.   John loved to hunt for arrowheads and showing off his large collection. His love for fishing began early in life and he taught many young boys the art of fly fishing.   The Dominey home became the refuge and gathering place for people of all ages. They would always find a listening ear while sitting around the kitchen table or hanging out in John’s barn   At any given time, you could find bikes, trikes and cars in the yard with children of all ages inside and out.

After 35 years, John retired from Hercules in 1985 and pursued his passion for being a jack of all trades which he did with a vengeance. He loved life and people.  John was known best for his love of laughter. He could wiggle his ears and talk like Donald Duck to the delight of all children. His joke telling ability is truly a legend that few will ever obtain. On his 80th birthday, he was recorded performing some of his favorite jokes to the laughter of all in attendance.

John was member of  Helena Masonic Lodge 536, having served as a former Grand Master, obtaining a 70 year apron. He also a member of the Al Sihah Shrine Three River’s Chapter; American Legion, Ga Post 80, and the Middle Georgia Ex POW Chapter.

Later in life, John began sharing his war story as his life’s testimony when he realized that it might touch the lives of others and lead them to Christ. As he parachuted out of the B24, he began to recite the Lord’s prayer but soon realized that he did not have enough time so he asked God to “have” him. He suddenly felt God’s touch and was at complete peace.

John is survived by his loving wife of almost 67 years, Annis; children, Iris Patricia Poteet (David) of Katy, Texas; Annis Rebecca (Becky) Woods (Richard) of Hawkinsville,Ga; John Lyon Dominey (Claire), of Warner Robins,Ga; Jack Mayes Dominey (Barbara) of Lilburn,Ga; Jay Brent Dominey (Sandy) of Tallahassee, Fl; Jim (Jimbo) Wright Dominey (Glenda) of Kathleen, Ga.; brother and sister, Paul Stanley Dominey of Smyrna, Ga and Iris Jeanette Dillard of Virginia; eleven grandchildren and nine great- grandchildren; and three special sons, Frank Thompson of Towns; Ben Marion of Moultrie and Van Cowart of Thomasville.   He is also predeceased by his sister, Mary Elizabeth Brown.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.vaughnfh.com.

Vaughn Funeral Home of McRae has charge of arrangements.